2:30am Being a mommy must also mean having super hero levels of hearing. From my room down the corridor, I hear the creaking of bedsprings, shuffling and … yes, a door opening. My heart sinks but I fight to hope: maybe it’s one of the other kids. All the lights in the corridor go on and there are pounding footsteps down the stairs, followed by more lights. I can now see the brightly lit backyard … [Read more...]
Prayer Power
Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 There are so many Scriptures on prayer power. The Scripture above just happens to be one of my favorites. I don’t know about you, but I pray and pray and pray for my son, Joel, who has autism. Many times I do not see specific answers to those prayers. And yet, the Scriptures … [Read more...]
Digging Deep
As I sit here and type these words, tears are streaming down my cheeks like never before. One by one. It has been a tough few days. Have you ever felt so low you didn't want to move, speak, or reach out to anyone? Well, that is about me right now. God has been growing me big time these last 3 years. I know He is building my testimony, but I think it is time to move on to someone else. … [Read more...]
Special Needs Déjà Vu
It feels like we've been here before. The meltdowns, medicines, medical issues, doctor appointments; they are starting again. It's a familiar sinking feeling I get in my head and gut. This time, at least I know some of the warning signs of the coming storm. I see the look in my son's eyes; a shaking of his head. Quick, get him away from the multitude of public stares. A family member said to me, … [Read more...]
Evolution and Hard Decisions
Parenting is synonymous with change. Our children grow and learn; they achieve and alter. And when they are special needs children, their bodies and abilities are in constant evolution. Change is rarely comfortable. Jesse’s original diagnoses include PDD-NOS, ODD, OCD, and ADHD. Some of those acronyms will change as he grows. Some – if God sees fit – might disappear. New ones could be added. … [Read more...]
When You Really Don’t Want to Fight the Good Fight
Over the summer, we were hit with a triple whammy. Over the course of just a couple of days, we got three letters, one after another. Each one was a punch in the gut, increasing in intensity each time. First, the SSI benefit Sam had been receiving that was our only available option to pay for therapy was being taken away effective the following month. This, just after receiving a letter a couple … [Read more...]