Parenting may be one of the most rewarding jobs on earth, but it is also one of the most difficult. I am the mother of three sons. My youngest, Joel (32), has autism along with an anxiety disorder and severe kyphosis of the spine. Parenting a child with a disability is especially demanding, requiring surpluses of energy, patience and perseverance beyond, at times, what seems humanly possible. As … [Read more...]
In the Eye of the Storm
We have a home in Florida: Ft. Myers to be specific. With all the news and anticipation of Hurricane Irma hitting (slamming) land, there is a swirl of emotions as I write this. We have many friends, family, acquaintances, and neighbors that will be affected by this storm as it blasts through the whole state of Florida. The whole state—that’s hard to comprehend. One can’t properly or adequately … [Read more...]
How Are You, Really?
“How are you?” Such seemingly simple words that are often used in passing. Acceptable social responses range from fine, good, or great. Sometimes if someone wants to be slightly more real they will say “tired” followed by a quick laugh. Have you ever met someone that you felt you could be real enough with to give an answer beyond the standard “good”? This happened one Sunday morning to my wife, … [Read more...]
Be a Friend Who Shows Up When Life Is Hard
A couple years ago I sat across from a grief counselor as I shared how very angry I was at friends who weren't supporting us through a traumatic event like I thought they should. It was especially tough since my husband is a pastor who showed up for the traumatic events in their lives. She replied, "When things get hard, you're always surprised by who shows up and who doesn't." I've thought of … [Read more...]
Don’t Ever, Ever Think You Walk Alone
I remember my father once telling me, “It’s dangerous to live.” What he meant was that life is full of risks and dangers and that if we are constantly worried about those risks and dangers, then we’re not really living. I’ve often recounted this quote whenever a therapist overplayed the safety card with Ben – you know, when they say it wouldn’t be safe to transfer Ben into his walker or … [Read more...]
Five Phrases Special-Needs Parents May Never Hear
August is Special Needs Parents Appreciation Month. My friend and fellow dedicated mother, Sandra Peoples, founded this 31 day observance in 2015. And while her intentions were noble, there are sadly some in the adult disability community who roll their eyes at this annual observance. They regard such a celebration as public martyrdom and contend that the parents aren't the ones who are truly … [Read more...]