Special needs school of life - just keep going A few Saturdays ago, my husband Sergei and I took Polly and Evangeline, our two daughters with special needs (Polly has Down syndrome and Moyamoya, Evie has autism and Down syndrome) to play soccer in an AYSO program built for families affected by disability in Chicago. A friend from the girls' school told us about it. "Just sign up. It's great. It … [Read more...]
When Life Is More Than I Can Handle
When my daughter was born with Down syndrome I felt devastated about her diagnosis. I cried constantly, and I struggled to find hope as I pictured our lives in the days, months, and years to come. One night, as I climbed into bed, I turned to my husband who was ready to go to sleep. I was exhausted by my sadness, and I knew he noticed it too. “The Bible says that God does not give us … [Read more...]
A Dad’s Role and Parental Comparison
It was supposed to be just another weekly Stay-At-Home Dad’s Day, but cheer practice changed those expectations. Instead, my dad's role became more clear. My job has allowed me the flexibility to stay at home while my wife works once a week as a nurse in the hospital. Typically these days are all about survival. With my wife being a nurse, she is gone for 13–14 hours the days she works. … [Read more...]
Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day
When my daughter was born with Down syndrome, I failed to celebrate her life. I rode the waves of grief and almost drowned in my tears. All I could focus on was her diagnosis. I thought of my baby as broken, only to quickly recognize that I was the broken one. I have discovered many of God's treasures along the way, treasures of joy, compassion, acceptance, humility, and abundant love. A … [Read more...]
Special Needs Child Climbing In Faith
Stephanie, my wife, called to share a potentially scary story about Fayth, our daughter born with Down syndrome. Special Needs Child Like To Scare “Hey, you won’t believe what Fayth just did.” Not the first line I typically like to hear from Stephanie. “Do I need to step out of the room? Is she okay…” “Oh yeah, she’s fine. But it could have been bad.” She interjected quickly. “What did … [Read more...]
Appreciating the pit crew in special needs parenting
Appreciating the pit crew in special needs parenting Before parenting children with special needs... driving alone I know this statement will seem a bit counter-Christian. But sometimes I think all any of us are really trying to do is create mini kingdoms. People need to rule. We need to be noticed. We crave praise. And we need others to notice that we can actually handle our … [Read more...]