The basement is spotless and the stations are perfectly arranged. On one side of the room, a table to beautify nails. On the other, three plastic basins complete with soft coloured stones to perfect your feet. Plus a cosy arrangement of chairs, pillows and blankets to round out the spa setting. As I take it all in, I am awash in a wonderful feeling that our adult daughter, Tori, still takes … [Read more...]
Walking By Faith
A few weeks ago, we attended a friend’s wedding and had some time before the reception began. We drove by a park that I knew like the back of my hand. It was a place that only we knew, though it looked different now. It was a place where, on that warm and humid June evening more than three decades ago, my soul mate (Jan) and I swayed on those park swings. Planning our future together, forever. A … [Read more...]
What Is The Real Battle?
I have realized recently parenting children with special needs is like standing in the water at the beach with a major undertow. Growing up in southern California, we frequently took trips to the beach. The days when the undertow was strong, we had to be very careful. They can be dangerous if you are not paying attention. They love to sweep your legs out from underneath you. I have come to the … [Read more...]
Life (for me) ALWAYS goes as planned….Was that Plan A or B?
When you’re young, you think you have it all figured out – that everything will go just as planned! As a planner, I love when life allows me to live according to my Plan A….but the reality is: I live in Plan B! While Plan A is fun to plan, there is adventure and even (at times) excitement when one allows God to orchestrate a different plan that our own…thus…Plan B! It’s hard for most of … [Read more...]
The Source of Our Joy
I always pray before I write for this blog to see if there is something God wants me to specifically write about. I really feel impressed that there are many who are reading this, who are struggling under the weight of heavier than usual burdens right now. The winter months can be difficult. There has been so much extreme weather in many parts of the world, and it's been a severe season with … [Read more...]
How We Can Look toward a New Year with Hope
I don't know about you, but I have always found as a special needs parent, that all of the typical comments that come with a new year ring really hollow...all the wishes that are definitely well-meant, like... "May this be your best year ever..." "May this year bring good health and healing to you and your family..." I'm not trying to be negative or pessimistic here ... I'm all for … [Read more...]