The hood of the car flew up, causing Joe—with Joey in the front seat next to him—to have to think quickly, move to a turning lane, and secure the hood. The hood was probably tripped by someone accidentally, as they were cleaning the inside of our car just moments earlier. And while all that was…
When both of my sons began to receive diagnosis after diagnosis, I continually asked God, “Why?” “Why my child? Why both of my children? Why me? Why don’t you heal them? Why is this special needs parenting thing so hard? Why do you feel so far away?” After months and months of pleading these questions…
It has been a challenging few months. September last year saw everyone back at school or college for another year. But for one of ours, it has become the year that feels like one year too many. School routines, expectations and the energy needed to get along and fit in has caught up with her…
There are times in all of our lives when the stress level goes up a few notches. Maybe your son is in the hospital. Maybe you’re moving. Maybe your daughter is trying a new medicine and you can’t get the dosage figured out, so she isn’t sleeping and doesn’t want to eat. No matter what…
One of the greatest struggles that Christian parents of special needs children deal with is finding and maintaining a church home in which their child is welcomed, supported and included in the life and community of the church. This is also the mission of many faith based disability organizations, like Key Ministry, who seek to…
Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Tired. Crabby. Of course we’ve had those times when life is all of those things and we don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. We don’t even see the tunnel! But over time, we have purposed to take back the sound track of our life and change some of the…
As we move into the new year—how can it possibly be 2020?!—this poem by Howard Thurman, an African-American theologian, educator, and civil rights leader, seems to be the perfect jumping off point for reflection: The Work of Christmas When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When…
For several years, a part of me dreaded November, December and early January. The holiday season—from Thanksgiving through Christmas and New Years—can be a wonderful opportunity for family and friends, traditions, spontaneity and general festivity. But for those of us experiencing the unique challenges of parenting someone with special needs, there can be a looming…
2019 closed with the heartbreaking loss of Olive Alayne Heiligenthal, the two year old daughter of Andrew and Kalley. They are active in Bethel Church in California, a faith community known for its focus on signs, wonders, and miracles. The founder of the church, Bill Johnson, holds to what he calls a “Jesus is perfect”…
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” I hear the music and sway to it with a smile, but do I really feel that way? Do you feel that way? I can honestly say that sometimes the added pressure of buying and wrapping gifts, decorating, sending greetings, baking, and all the rest can be…