This Sunday, Christian families will take their children to an Easter worship service. Many families will be traveling with plans to visit a church home that is not their own. Other families struggle to find a place where their special needs children are welcomed. Visiting an unfamiliar church, particularly on a holiday, can put a family dealing with autism over the edge. That's why I'm … [Read more...]
Crushed
There are so many things about my faith life that took on deep and new meaning when I became the mother of a child with special needs. The time leading to Easter always offers the opportunity to contemplate the life of Jesus in richer, more profound ways. Even in the busy-ness of raising an “extra-grace-required” children, these days bring to mind stories of Palm Sunday, driving out the … [Read more...]
The Dirty Job of Special Needs Parenting
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:14, NIV) “Bloody noses are just a nuisance,” the hematologist proclaimed. I melted into tears and frustrated anger as we stood there in the exam room, sleep deprived and disheveled, lacking a desperately needed shower. “YOU live with this and see how much of a nuisance this is!” I cried … [Read more...]
Fortune Cookie Theology for Parents
I love Chinese Food. Truly I do. White rice or fried rice, hot and sour soup or egg drop, General Tso's chicken or beef with broccoli—it all works for me! But my favorite part of the meal is (by far) at the very end. The fortune cookie. Oh, I know, lots of people think they taste like cardboard and just throw them out. But I can't wait to open one and see what it says inside. Sometimes the sayings … [Read more...]
Gratefulness Is Refreshing
Psalm 28:7 ESV The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. As the year was coming to an end for yet another time, I reflected on the things that brought me joy; those things that I am grateful for. For some people it is just a list, but for me it is an accomplishment and reminder of God carrying me … [Read more...]