"I've got a sinus infection," I texted the friend who was picking me up at an unfamiliar airport in an unfamiliar town. "Do you have any antibiotics?" "We've got your back," she replied. She wasn't kidding. When she delivered me to our destination, she and my other friends had arranged an array of medications on the bathroom counter—everything and more than I needed to beat the nasty bug … [Read more...]
When the World Stares at My Daughter
The little girl walking on the sidewalk ahead of us clutches her mother's hand, but continues to turn around and curiously survey my daughter as she sweeps her white cane back and forth with each step she takes. I smile at the little girl and continue the conversation I'm having with my daughter. It used to bother me when strangers would stare. My daughter was born with her eye condition, … [Read more...]
Your Body, Not Your Fault
Every Tuesday night (except for when I have a good excuse not to) I drag myself over to the YMCA for cycle class. It's not an ideal time, but it's a rare hour after dinner, and after one kid is in bed, that I can squeeze in a workout thanks to my supportive husband. Not only is it not an ideal time, but I don't exactly love the instructor’s style. The music isn't that great and he yells a LOT … [Read more...]
The Sunny Side of Life
Each morning I make my husband Joe and I an egg. The goal is to make our eggs “sunny side up” but if (when) the yolk breaks, plan B is in effect: scrambled is served! And plan B happens most of the time! Similarly, every day caring for one with special needs is like that. That sums up our life – how about yours? Everyday we set out for “sunny side up”, hoping we’ve all awakened on the right … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Get It All Done
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 I wake up every Monday morning a little anxious. Ok if we are being real here, I wake up Monday mornings more than a little anxious. Mondays for me can feel a little overwhelming with reviewing all I have to get done for the week. It starts really on Sunday evenings. Do you ever feel that … [Read more...]
Three Things You Can Do When Caregiving and Life’s Never Ending To-do List Leave You Exhausted
On Monday morning I woke up still feeling exhausted despite eight hours sleep. As many parents of children with special needs will confess, breaks and weekends are not really a time to relax. For those of us with school-age children often Monday morning can’t come soon enough. Before you think me a horrible mom, I want you to know I love both my sons, age 18 and 13, dearly. It’s just that my … [Read more...]