Seldom, as a parent of an adult child with special needs, do I get to “see” my son at a distance. He is always up-close and right by my side as I’m helping meet his needs in many areas, including: Showering Shaving Cutting food Getting clothing on/off Maneuvering a curb Walking through a crowd Getting through a rough discipline issue …and I find that everything is simply NORMAL … [Read more...]
Just Jesus
Years ago I went through the process of becoming the guardian for our (at the time) 18-year old son. Joey (now 33) has a number of physical, mental, and health challenges that will require him to be cared for all of his life. Someone from Probate Court came to our home with papers for Joey to sign and talk to him about guardianship and get the process in progress. In front of this woman and Joey, … [Read more...]
What We Can’t Say to Too Many People
A visit with a dear friend was highlighted with the phrase, "I can't say this to too many people.” Our hearts shared openly knowing we’re on the same team, accept each other, and "get it"! Becoming aware of the life of a parent/caregiver is as important as understanding “special needs” and a way to join the team! Ready? “I can’t say this to many people….” “I’m at my wits end.” … [Read more...]
Reality Check!
“When you wake up, you’ll feel like a truck hit you, but each day you’ll do better and better and heal well," was what the doctor told my mother-in- law and I about how she'd feel after her heart surgery. After surgery, I asked mom how she felt and she replied, “The doctor said I’d wake up and feel like I was hit by a truck. That’s true, I do, but we failed to ask what size truck it would be!” … [Read more...]
The Power in the Name of Jesus
Being a special needs parent is like climbing a great mountain. Let's face it, sometimes it's downright overwhelming. When the journey begins—and you received that unexpected diagnosis—you suddenly find yourself at the base of a great mountain. The scale of this mountain is enormous and the trail that leads to the summit is rocky at best. Standing at its base looking upward, thoughts of … [Read more...]
In Search of Stability in the Storms of Life
Have you ever walked along the shoreline as a storm approached, staggering through churning waters trying to get a foothold as the sand shifted with each step? When you are the parent of a child with a special needs, life can feel like walking alongside a stormy sea. You are always adapting, always reacting and ever alert to make sure your child is safe. Most mornings, you never quite know what … [Read more...]