Communication. It’s a skill few of us are very good at. The written or spoken word is often far too simplistic to help us say what we really mean. And yet, effective communication lies at the heart of all relationships. The conversations we have with each other, whether face-to-face, online, or by text message are an integral part of our daily lives and, indeed, what most of us take for granted. … [Read more...]
Prepare The Way
Some of us become parents by chance. Some become parents by choice. But no one I know chooses to become parents of a child with a disability. When that choice was made for us 23 years ago, our world instantly changed. There was no preparation, no training, no idea that anything other than a normal, healthy fetus was developing. From the moment Ben arrived, we were continuously given a laundry … [Read more...]
God’s timing is perfect!
The basement is spotless and the stations are perfectly arranged. On one side of the room, a table to beautify nails. On the other, three plastic basins complete with soft coloured stones to perfect your feet. Plus a cosy arrangement of chairs, pillows and blankets to round out the spa setting. As I take it all in, I am awash in a wonderful feeling that our adult daughter, Tori, still takes … [Read more...]
Understanding the Privacy Gap
For those of you with a son or daughter who requires 24-hour care, you know exactly what I'm going to talk about. It is something that those outside of this demographic take for granted. It is something called "privacy". We have very little of it in our world given all of the caregivers in Ben’s world. Without question, these important team members have helped to lighten our load and give Ben a … [Read more...]
Walking By Faith
A few weeks ago, we attended a friend’s wedding and had some time before the reception began. We drove by a park that I knew like the back of my hand. It was a place that only we knew, though it looked different now. It was a place where, on that warm and humid June evening more than three decades ago, my soul mate (Jan) and I swayed on those park swings. Planning our future together, forever. A … [Read more...]