"I don't know how you do it." Special needs parents, raise your hand if this a sentiment you hear often. I hear it a lot. And I attempt a charming joke, "Not very well, that's how I do it." Small, calculated chuckles abound for five seconds making my conversation partner and I both feel good. But then the laughter dies, and I look away. I don't think the other person believes me when … [Read more...]
Christmas Laughter!
One of the character traits I especially value is the quality of honesty. So, I'm going to tell you the truth: my blog posting deadline crept up on me. Truly it did. After five straight weeks of illness at our house, followed by a restful week of vacation (Thank You Lord!), I'm back in the saddle at work again. Then it hit me: "Great Scot! I have a blog posting due!" So, rather than faking it, in … [Read more...]
Daily Bread: parenting kids with special needs
Daily Bread: parenting kids with special needs "How do you deal with the possibility that you could be a 'forever mom,' that is, that Polly and Evangeline may never leave home?" a young mom asks me after I finish sharing our family's story with her MOPS group. I get this question often. It makes sense. I have children with special needs. We are unsure of the future. Will they live on their own … [Read more...]
Run To Jesus
On a recent trip to the beautiful Southern USA, we passed through Savannah, Georgia. This was our first time to this beautiful city, but our time was short, so we decided to take a trolley tour of the city. We boarded the vintage looking trolley and enjoyed seeing the many squares and historical sites this city holds. One stop on our tour was Forrest Gump’s bench where he sat with his box of … [Read more...]
The wildness and beauty of the special needs road
I stood in the middle of a vast clearing. The breeze gentle as it stroked my face, and the air carried the sweet aroma of wild flowers. The sun delivered beautiful golden rays that pierced their way through cotton clouds and gently touched the horizon. There I was, eagerly waiting for the glorious moment when I would get to take my first step into the beautiful road that lay in front of me. The … [Read more...]
Cast Your Cares On Him
The familiar jingle on a back-to-school ad sings “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” The ad shows a parent, happily skipping along, pushing a cart full of back-to-school supplies. For lots of parents, we are excited to be sending the kiddos off to school to start another year. A special needs parent, on the other hand, may have many more bittersweet moments this time of year. And let’s … [Read more...]