Raising a child with a chronic illness, disability or special need can often be a bone-achingly isolating existence. The stares, exclusion, judgment, and hurtful comments can sometimes make caregivers like us feel like we are serving time in a penal colony, far from the comfortable normalcy of the average family. Without realizing it, well-meaning family and friends can push us further to the … [Read more...]
All I Want For Christmas Is To Not Be Your Project
It’s the season of giving. As we remember a Savior who left the glory and comfort of heaven to move into our mess, we all feel compelled to celebrate with charity and extra acts of kindness. At no other time of year is a dark and hurting world more receptive to the hope of Jesus that we joyously pour out of ourselves. Yet, there’s something more behind this perennial philanthropy that eats at … [Read more...]
Back-To-School, Back To Isolation
The women down the street are popping the champagne for mimosas as they join together for a mothers party to celebrate the first day of school. All of their cute Pinterest-y photos of kids neatly groomed holding chalkboards proclaiming their first day of 1st Grade, 7th Grade, or Senior year have already littered the Facebook feed. The joyful smell of new school supplies and lingering warm weather … [Read more...]
WHY DOESN’T SHE PLAY WITH KIDS HER OWN AGE?
Isolation. Rarely is the bone-aching pain of special needs so completely summed up in one word. The word conjures up images of life going on while the unpopular and unfit are left behind; the loneliness of hours upon hours dragging on with no phone calls, no visits from friends, no invitations from others come to mind; being marginalized, ignored, treated as an annoyance, or unlovable by everyone … [Read more...]
Inadequate, But Not Alone
Today, I feel inadequate. Not at all qualified to encourage parents to fight the isolation that threatens to engulf them. Not at all worthy to remind them they are not alone. Not at all an example of how to ask for help from others. Because when events in my life took a difficult turn recently, I ignored my own advice. I rationalized my decision to isolate in numerous ways. It's no big … [Read more...]
The Power of Encouragement
"I bought more candy-grams, Mom," Alec says with a big smile as we drive home from school just two days before Valentine's Day. "Alec, you already bought twelve candy-grams," I frown. "Do you really need more?" Alec's school was selling the candy-grams as a fundraiser for the holiday. For twenty-five cents you could send a single hard candy with a note of friendship. This particular … [Read more...]