Is your shopping done yet? Have you nailed the best deals on all of the supplies on your child’s class list? Is the smell of new athletic shoes and fresh clothing purchases permeating your house yet? While it all sounds so hopeful, if you’re house is anything like ours, there’s a slow, sickening churning of the stomach beginning. Back to school feels as uncertain it does exciting, especially … [Read more...]
I’m Leaving My Child Behind!
Be honest. Even if you didn’t say that out loud, you’ve thought it at least once! Yet, the primary “care-giver” really does have the need to leave home, leave town, and leave their child behind from time to time. Perhaps we need to leave our child behind (not in the sense that they’re taking off for good), but in the sense that something else besides our child is calling for our attention. Maybe … [Read more...]
Somebody’s Always Watching
We all know disability draws the attention of others. I get it. I look, too. We often feel like everybody is Evan's friend. (Mostly pretty girls. Evan has moves like Jagger. Be jealous.) People we don't recognize will stop to talk to Evan because they know him from somewhere. Occasionally, they will tell us how they are acquainted with him. But usually, we go without ever discovering how our … [Read more...]
When Professionals Add Stress to Special-Needs Parents
As a special-needs parent let me be clear that my overriding feeling is gratitude toward professionals who help kids and families with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities. I have a Ph.D. and my husband is an M.D. so I understand the challenges on both sides of this issue. However, I witness or hear from parents too often that professionals lack respect and sensitivity towards … [Read more...]
I Won’t Give Up
Lately, I have been in so many situations where God has been speaking to me about trusting Him, giving it to Him fully, and not letting the devil get in. What about you? Have you been getting those same messages? The devil wants us to give up. Give up with our parenting. Give up in helping our kids through their struggles. Give up in our marriages. Give up with our finances. Give up … [Read more...]
The Summer “Gentling:” Or, How Disability Will Jack Up Your Original Blog Title If You Wait Long Enough.
I came up with the title, “The Summer Gentling” on one of summer’s earliest days. I came up with it because for one blazing second I thought that things would be quieter or easier when my children weren’t bound into a schedule of academics and activities. I thought that waking late and laying around and playing in the pool were the panacea to stress, and my complaining, holler-y kids would become … [Read more...]