Going through airport security with our son Joey can prove to be interesting. His special needs requires us to “prompt” him to take off his shoes, “prompt” him to move forward, “prompt” him to go through the x-ray on his own. He listens, usually, but basically needs prompts. We have our routine. Joe put his things and Joey’s into the bin and sent the items on their way. At the end of the … [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...]
We Are All Experts Of Sorts…
Each of us is given something in life that challenges, stretches and stresses us and will eventually qualify us as some sort of expert. Our challenge? Along with ¼ of the population, we are raising a child who needs full time care because of his special needs. It’s a 24/7 responsibility we’ve been given…and we’ve lived to share about it! Our son Joey is a great gift and amazing blessing - but he … [Read more...]