Even though our celebration of Valentine’s Day has passed, there are things we can do every day to show we love each other and care for one another; but it is a choice and it takes work…. especially because we are caring for our loved ones with special needs. That kind of caring 24/7 puts a lot of pressure on our marriage and sometimes it can feel like we’re just tossing left-overs at each other … [Read more...]

Impressed recently about this idea, I have realized that we don’t often give others a chance to share their “moment” without others (or myself) wanting to share a similar experience or story. Something that happened to us recently has us really reflecting and being much more observant of letting others share what is important to them without topping their story or telling our own unless they … [Read more...]

Mary was in a time of waiting as she waited for Jesus to be born. Could she have known the “full picture” of what it would mean for her to carry the Christ-child? She had to endure looks and speculations of others, perhaps including Joseph, but together they endured and embraced the “waiting room of life” and welcomed the Messiah in due time. Have you ever found yourself in a time of “waiting?” … [Read more...]

Serving others for some is daily 24/7 to those with special needs; for others serving family (kids and grandkids) as needed; but what about when the caregiver can’t give care and is out of commission? That happened to me last month. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital with immobility from a back issue that has interrupted life and caregiving from time to time over 42 years. Upon dressing … [Read more...]

  “I don’t see anything wrong with that child.” Give it 10 minutes; give it an hour. Take some time to be with “that child” or for that matter, “that adult” to be able to discern what makes them different and what it is about them where they excel and where they can’t quite make it in life. So many disabilities, illnesses, and diseases are not “visible”. Children with mild … [Read more...]

We often think school is all about our kids; and a lot of it is, but a lot also rests on us as parents. As parents of child with special needs, our attitude, and the way we approach teachers and situations is very important. While we are many years post school, there were a few things that we found helpful and we hope you will to: Don’t deny that your child has special needs. Make your … [Read more...]