We’re embracing the month of “love” so I’d like to segue our thoughts to putting love in action as we show “compassion” - especially in the framework of those whose lives are often dismissed, ignored, disregarded, neglected, slighted, snubbed – those with special needs. Let’s ask ourselves a few questions to get started: Have I missed the opportunity to show compassion or love to someone … [Read more...]
Time For Transparency
A young couple has come into our life whose son is special needs. They are trying to cope with the initial news of his disabilities, the on-going therapies, and so much more. They mentioned to us that they have times of great frustration. They wondered if that ever happens to us. Time for transparency! Yes, even after almost 32 years, there are great times of exhaustion and frustration in … [Read more...]
If We Don’t, Who Will?
Looking up a phone number to make a phone call is beyond Joey’s ability. So is making a phone appointment, reporting to someone if he’d been mistreated, or asking someone to get something he needs. We need to care for him and open our mouths to get him what he needs. We are his advocate. As parents, we feel as if we know our son better than any doctor, therapist, or teacher; but we’ve always … [Read more...]
The “EYES” Have It
As a dentist, I was taught to look into the eyes of my patients to be sure they were not experiencing any discomfort (okay, pain) as a result of whatever procedure was being done. While still in dental school I opted to work with children with special needs – and noticed, while working on their teeth, how absolutely beautiful their eyes were - not the color, nor that they couldn’t focus - it was … [Read more...]
Special Needs “Now What?”
Your child has “special needs”. Someone you love survived an accident, but they’ll never walk again. Those things happen to others, but now it’s happened to you or someone you love. You never wanted it, you never asked for it…but you suspected it and now it’s confirmed. Now, what? You feel like you’ve been punched in the stomach - unable to catch your breath. You can’t think, you can’t talk … [Read more...]
Those Closest To Us Hurt Us The Most
Those closest to us hurt us the most. Maybe it’s because they say foolish things in an effort to protect us or because they know us so well, they know what “button” to push to hurt us, or feel the freedom to speak too freely! Those in our outer circles, whom we don’t know well, may randomly hurt us for the moment with their actions or words, but we can more easily brush that off because we don’t … [Read more...]