August is Special Needs Parents Appreciation Month. My friend and fellow dedicated mother, Sandra Peoples, founded this 31 day observance in 2015. And while her intentions were noble, there are sadly some in the adult disability community who roll their eyes at this annual observance. They regard such a celebration as public martyrdom and contend…
Having a child with a disability can be difficult. There are moments you wonder if anyone will ever understand or get what it is like to walk in your shoes. You parent a child with special needs and sometimes you feel alone and invisible. But you are not. Today, I want to tell you that…
This is for the family whose life is not as they expected it would be. It’s for the family: who may seem normal from the outside, but on the inside is hurting, lonely, exhausted, confused, stressed, and unsure of the future. who lives on eggshells in their home, trying their best to parent a child…
Once upon a time, in a tiny country church, a handsome man married a beautiful woman. The handsome man and the beautiful woman had three lovely daughters and a charming son. They were a healthy, loving family and could have lived happily ever after in their own little house, in their own little world. But…
When your child is little, everyone tells you, “They grow up so fast!” I recall feeling quite the opposite when my children were tiny. Despite my best efforts, I felt disorganized, inadequate, and like I was walking through a mine field trying to manage my children’s medical challenges. It felt anything but fast. Emergency room…
Most of us caring for one with special needs have to say no to a lot. Looking back on days on end as a young mom, I remember barely coming up for air from treading the waters of life that engulfed me. It was never ending: Therapies Doctors/hospitals Diapers 2 more (beautiful and lovely) children…
On the nursery wall directly across from where I sit to feed Nathan hangs this verse: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart.” – Jeremiah 1:5 This framed verse was a shower gift from a sweet friend. It’s beautiful. I love looking at…
My husband sang on the worship team so I sat alone during church services. Sometimes I came late, sat near the back, and cried through one or two hymns. My teenage daughter with autism was struggling with her faith and my other child missed church due to an undiagnosed illness. I was grieving their difficulties…
Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting…
Have often have you prayed for a miracle in the life of your child with special needs? Have you ever anguished with God for the next step of accomplishment for your child waiting for them to become the typical child? Have you begged teachers and aides to put your child in a “particular” class because…