Crisis with Strawberry Jelly Have you ever noticed how long it takes to feel settled and calm after dealing with a crisis incident? For example, your special little darling gets into the jelly that a friend left in your home (you hadn’t realized before 5 seconds ago that jelly was even in your home) … strawberry jelly, and he’s allergic to strawberries. No, he doesn’t have an anaphylactic … [Read more...]
Prayer Power
Ask, and it will be given to you seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 There are so many Scriptures on prayer power. The Scripture above just happens to be one of my favorites. I don’t know about you, but I pray and pray and pray for my son, Joel, who has autism. Many times I do not see specific answers to those prayers. And yet, the Scriptures … [Read more...]
Special Needs Déjà Vu
It feels like we've been here before. The meltdowns, medicines, medical issues, doctor appointments; they are starting again. It's a familiar sinking feeling I get in my head and gut. This time, at least I know some of the warning signs of the coming storm. I see the look in my son's eyes; a shaking of his head. Quick, get him away from the multitude of public stares. A family member said to me, … [Read more...]
Evolution and Hard Decisions
Parenting is synonymous with change. Our children grow and learn; they achieve and alter. And when they are special needs children, their bodies and abilities are in constant evolution. Change is rarely comfortable. Jesse’s original diagnoses include PDD-NOS, ODD, OCD, and ADHD. Some of those acronyms will change as he grows. Some – if God sees fit – might disappear. New ones could be added. … [Read more...]
Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
"I was already on a spiritual journey, but engaging this process with my son and ASD has me on another level!" - Monica, mom of an 8 year old boy diagnosed with autism. The Blissfulness of Same Autism means dealing with lots of the same thing, over and over, and over again, often mixed with compulsion and vigor. My son's high need for control triggers my own and we both study to create as much … [Read more...]
God Has Not Wired Us To Quit
It was quiet. Finally. I had no reason to trust that it would last. Max was in his bed, sleeping perhaps, sweat still on his brow. I was sure the house was moving, or maybe I just couldn’t get my sea legs. There is a part of me that goes numb on nights like this, weeks like this one. My tired brain just can’t yawn open wide enough to let it all in. My precious son; he is gentle of … [Read more...]