"Call me if you need anything." It is an incredibly frustrating, well-meaning phrase that we parents of complex kids hear all too often. Yet, we rarely do pick up that phone to call. Sometimes it is because it just feels too awkward. Other times, we're afraid of hearing "no." But there can be another reason that we don't call, besides feeling humiliated. Speaking with numerous special … [Read more...]
God Has Not Forgotten You
Two years ago I walked into her math class and stood along the edge in the back, where the mom of the kid who isn't good at math stands for awards ceremonies. Over the minutes that followed, I wasn't surprised my daughter's name wasn't called. It's not that I don't believe in her, it's just that I'd seen the tears, shredded papers, broken pencils and massive meltdowns that were her experience … [Read more...]
When Our Own Health Is In Crisis
Unexpected. That's what I say when people ask how my summer's been. Not that I don't expect seasons to cycle and summer to come and go each year. It's just that I didn't expect to go in for a routine appointment with my own doctor and discover, after a half-dozen scans and tests, that I've got a fast-growing fibroid that may be malignant growing in my uterus. Or that I'd spend the past few … [Read more...]
Asking For Help Doesn’t Have To Be A Pain In The Neck
Raise your hand if you've cared for your special kids to the point of not showering for days. Or you've prioritized their doctor and therapist appointments so often you're pretty sure it's been since your high school sports physical since you saw a doctor yourself. Yep. Me, too. The thing is, our kids have intense needs and there's only so much time in the day. I know I'm really good at … [Read more...]