Two days before Thanksgiving of 2014, my life descended into caregiver chaos. Not because of a kid with special needs. But because of an aging parent with special needs. My mom, to be specific. Who came to stay with us until the end of the year to give her primary caregivers, my brother and his wife, a much needed break. That break nearly broke me because in quick succession... Mom had what we … [Read more...]
What We Hope For
I knew my son valued his job, but I hadn’t considered if his employer valued him. “Behind you!” I heard Max call as he walked through the bustling commercial kitchen. As a mom, I’m doing an excellent job of “letting go,” just as long as my son wears a hazmat suit, or in this case, perhaps a full-body oven mitt. Fortunately for Max, I’m not his regular job coach in this busy Cape Cod seafood … [Read more...]
I’m being brave tomorrow.
My baby girl is having a major surgery tomorrow. Which means I'm being brave tomorrow. You see, bravery isn't bravado. It isn't arrogance. It isn't some evolved sort of inner strength that is only for a select few of us. True bravery is looking fear in the face and stepping forward anyway. This sort of bravery requires faith. Actually, I'd say it requires faiths, more than one. I … [Read more...]
praying through the start of the school year
Last year, I took pictures of my oldest daughter and shared a couple tidbits with the teacher as I dropped her off, but that was it. Our biggest concerns were if her best friend would be in her class (she was) and what she would wear on the first day of school (a frilly leopard print skirt with a kitty graphic tee, of course). This year was different. In the past year, our first son … [Read more...]
Will Medicaid Determine Where our Children Live?
If you're reading this blog, you love a child—maybe several children—with a disability. I don’t know how old he is, or what her disability might be. I don’t know if you’re a mom, a dad, a grandparent, an aunt, uncle, or caregiver. I can safely guess that everything within you desires for this beautiful child to grow into his or her God-given potential. It’s hard to fathom when … [Read more...]
When They’re No Longer Little or Cute
O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them … [Read more...]