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...]
“Doctor Mom”
Have you ever had a commercial slogan or jingle stuck in your head? Of course you have! I’m dating myself, I know, but back in the early ‘90’s there was a commercial that used to tout a certain cough syrup’s superiority by boasting that it was not only prescribed by physicians and pharmacists, but it was also recommended by “Doctor Mom.” It stuck with me. The implication was that because of … [Read more...]
To Those Who Have Gone Before Us
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get so focused on dealing with all the current crises in our family life that I don’t spend enough time reflecting on our blessings. Most notably, in our fight for progress with our children’s care now, we forget how fortunate we are to live at such a time as this. Not only are treatment breakthroughs of every kind occurring more rapidly, but the flow of … [Read more...]
Are You The Dead Sea or The River Jordan?
Raising a child with special needs can be exhausting. You won't find anyone in our circle of parenthood disagreeing with that. We can easily empathize with the mother who is discouraged and worn down, or the frustrated father who feels he can't do enough for his family. We knowingly nod when we read articles admonishing us to engage in better self-care. However, I would also say that we … [Read more...]