Sometimes, as an attempt to comfort your heart as you are struggling through a new diagnosis, or even years afterward, friends or family might offer consolation by saying something along the lines of, “God chose to give you a child with autism because He knew you were strong enough”, or one of my personal favorites, “He will never give you any more than you can handle”, or even the Biblical … [Read more...]
Not Strong Enough
Middle school. A place where girls and boys shoot into young adulthood, catapulted by hormones and peer pressure to just fit in. Be able to spin through the locker combination with ease and swag, flinging wide the banging metal door that says, "I have arrived." I'm here. Maybe they gained a few inches in height, with arms and legs a bit more rounder and stronger to match their stature, confidently … [Read more...]
Taking Autism Awareness to My Son’s School
Several months ago, I was sitting in an IEP meeting at my son's school when it happened. We were discussing the problems Sam was having making friends, and I explained the frustrations he felt over moving and struggling to find a new best friend. It was hard for him to do that, considering how he was being made fun of at recess because of his scripting and lightsaber fighting, acting out his … [Read more...]
It Might Not Be As Bad As You Think
The past school year has been a difficult one. Our family moved from our home in Maryland of six years to a new home in Kentucky when my husband, Kyle, accepted a new worship pastor position at a church in a small town. We tearfully bid goodbye to the church we had come to love so dearly, many of whom held the same status in our eyes as our own blood family. Our kids had to part ways with their … [Read more...]
Baby Stepping Across the Miles
I remember those first steps. So unsteady. So unsure. But so ready. Little chubby knees bending just enough to move sweet little feet forward by a couple of inches at a time. His diaper-padded bottom landing with a thud on the floor accompanied by a look of shock in his wide blue eyes. But with determination and tenacity, he clumsily stood back up, wavered for a second, then tried again. Sometimes … [Read more...]
Waiting for the Alarm to Sound: Firefighter, or Special-Needs Parent?
I could hear the screeches and crying ringing from upstairs. I sighed deeply and headed toward the stairs. As I was going up, my youngest son (8 years old) was making his way down. I paused and asked, "What happened?" hoping for some insight in order to assess the situation before getting there and trying to figure out what sent him over the edge this time. He replied, "He's upset." as he … [Read more...]