I remember so vividly Alec's difficult toddler days. My son had less than a handful of words. The days were a series of one tantrum after another. I was a stressed-out mother on the brink of a personal meltdown of my own. Oh, yes, I remember those days. I loved my son desperately, but hadn't a clue how to help him. I obsessively scoured every piece of advice I could find from any expert … [Read more...]
About Friendship
Every time my cell rings and I notice the call comes from school, there is part of me that wants to jump into panic mode. Did my daughter with cerebral palsy get hurt? Did my daughter with Down syndrome- who is a runner – get lost? Should I be getting in the car and start driving while I answer the call? The reality is, most of the time our calls go like this: “Mrs. Stumbo, just calling to … [Read more...]
These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times
As I parent two children with special needs, there are seasons in life where the health concerns, the doctor appointments, the therapy sessions, the delays, the sensory issues, or the lack of understanding from friends and family overwhelm me. Some days, it might even feel as if I'm coming undone. When my daughter was born with Down syndrome, I knew that dealing with her diagnosis and … [Read more...]
Your Child’s Differences Can Make a Difference in the World
One of my favorite women from the the Christmas story is Elizabeth. Luke tells us Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah were "both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years" (1:6). But an angel visited Zechariah and told him he and Elizabeth would have a son. But … [Read more...]
Where Is Your Focus?
The Bible tells us in Romans 15:4, that everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of scripture, we would find hope. One of the most valuable lessons and examples for life found in the Bible, is the story of Peter walking on the water. So often, we feel like we are going to be pulled under by the storms of life. We feel … [Read more...]
Believe It or Not!
"Whether you know it or not, people are watching you." Those words in a sermon from my pastor have resonated with me for years. We parents raising children with special needs are sadly accustomed to uncomfortable stares or looks of disdain directed at our cherished children. It may be painful to endure the gawking of others, but it also gives us a unique platform to reach others. In … [Read more...]