A common "stereotype" of a person who is in a wheel chair is that the chair itself limits that person from living a full life and balanced life. Sometimes when we are in public people will make comments like "poor kid to be so limited." ( I personally find this very rude and really have to hold my tongue) The fact is for Lilly a wheelchair enables her to do things that she once could not. In … [Read more...]
On Fear And Fall Festivals
This week is full of fall festivals, and we're scheduled to attend a few. While this usually doesn't bother me, I have some reservations this year. We've had a rough month with a major plumbing project, both vehicles in the shop for repairs, illness, and the accompanying financial stress. As a result of the drama, my daughter has experienced some regression, especially in her sensory processing … [Read more...]
Psalm 23 For The Special Needs Journey
The book of Psalms contains some of the most beautiful promises ever written. As a father, I have discovered that the psalms capture the love, heartache, joy, and weariness of parenting children with special needs. The book of Psalms is the place you can go when you're hurting and needing a reminder of God’s faithful promises. Mom…dad…I encourage you to find a psalm that speaks to where … [Read more...]
God Bless the “Good-Finders”!
It began for me very early in my special needs journey. Accusations flowed freely from the mouth of someone close to me, scolding that I was over-treating my baby's severe bleeding disorder. Still new at being a "warrior mom", I felt small, ashamed, foolish, doubting myself. The degrading embarrassment didn't end with just one child. I can remember so many years where neighbors made snide … [Read more...]
Rising Above The Storms Of Life
Living in Houston I’ve experienced a few storms. In 2004 when we first moved here from California first came Hurricane Katrina, which just missed us then next came Hurricane Rita which was headed straight for us. There are some interesting dynamics to a hurricane. It can cover a large mass of land and sea, very overwhelming. When it hits the wind and rain are so strong that debris is flying … [Read more...]
Gambling on God’s Grace
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards. This quote by the theologian Soren Kierkegaard speaks to my heart as Joel’s mom. Joel is the youngest of my three sons. A handsome young man of twenty-eight, Joel has autism and moderate intellectual disabilities. God meets me daily on this mothering journey, enabling me to let go of future fears and past regrets—empowering … [Read more...]