Caregiving, Special Needs Parenting
Stephanie McKeever
Finding Thankfulness in Disability

There were young kids, teens, young adults, even his best friend, all playing together, learning and laughing. But, there was no sign of my child. I searching the parking lot where everyone was talking and hanging out with their families; not there either. Here is where most people panic. But, deep down I knew; look with the younger kids. It was there I found him, rolling down the hill, filled with that bold childhood laughter, having the time of his life. No pressure here. No one asking him to make quick decisions he had to worry about in that football game. There was only freedom and joy. I want him to be something he isn’t sometimes, but I’m learning to start finding the thankful in disability.

Finding Thankfulness in Disability
Caregiving, Challenges, Living Life Daily, Love, Special Needs Parenting
Cindi Ferrini
Counting the Cost

How many of us counted the cost (both emotionally and financially) of what it would take to raise a child and/or care for an aging parent? Many are doing both…Because we love our child, we don’t often consider the cost because we simply do what is needed and want the best for them.

Counting the Cost
Caregiving, Challenges, Down Syndrome, Special Needs Parenting
Evana Sandusky
For When You Don’t Feel Thankful

My daughter arrived in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the middle of the night on the eve of Thanksgiving. A tough respiratory virus attacked her lungs, and she needed a substantial amount of oxygen support. And now, this unexpected illness meant Thanksgiving was going to be completely different than we had all planned.

For When You Don’t Feel Thankful
Challenges, Hope, Scripture, Special Needs Parenting
Kara Dedert
When Thankfulness Seems Impossible

Are you scrounging for thankfulness this holiday season? Holidays can be a challenge for those walking through hard days. Perhaps you feel like you've been handed the short-end of the stick; your child is struggling, you’re exhausted and it seems like everybody else has life with a bit more gravy. It’s easy to focus on our circumstances, take stock of what we have and where we are and end up feeling completely void of thankfulness. Is there a cure for this? 

When Thankfulness Seems Impossible
Autism, Caregiving, Challenges, Hope, Special Needs Parenting, Spiritual Growth
Sunita Theiss
Discovering What God Already Knew About Me, ...

I first suspected I had ADHD as a teenager, but finding the right professional to take me seriously was much harder than I expected. Previous attempts only ended in frustration and tears.

Discovering What God Already Knew About Me, Through My Children’s Diagnosis

Challenges

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Overwhelmed By Hope?

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Overwhelmed By Hope?

I've been a special needs mom for 21 years now, so I need you to hear what I’m about to say with the trust that those years have earned me. For us believers, “overwhelmed by hope” should be much more common than “overwhelmed by fear.”

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Telling The Easter Story Using Our Senses!

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Telling The Easter Story Using Our Senses!

Easter is one of the most important times in the Christian calendar.But the big story of Easter can be difficult for some children and young people with special needs to understand. Children learn best when their senses are engaged. Here are some sensory ideas that can be used to tell the Easter story, and give us ways to share other complex biblical themes throughout the year.

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Four Lessons Caregiving Is Teaching Me about Writing Fiction

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Four Lessons Caregiving Is Teaching Me about Writing Fiction

What caregiving is teaching me about writing fiction could fill a book. If someone had tried to tell me when I was a kid that caregiving and writing have a lot in common, I wouldn't have believed it. Writing may or may not be part of God's plan for your future but I know He has something in store for your future, and He's using your life as a caregiver to prepare you for it.

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Quirks, Perks and Jerks

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Quirks, Perks and Jerks

We all have quirks, and even in life with disabilities there are perks. But none of us have to be jerks! Here are some wise words from Cindi Ferrini on how to be Christ-like and honor Him, no matter our circumstances.