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

Special Needs Parenting

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The Physical Manifestations of Grief in Caregivers

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The Physical Manifestations of Grief in Caregivers

The physical manifestations of grief in caregivers are unexpected and pervasive. Jolene Philo shares what God has been teaching her since the death of my mother on June 23, 2023.

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What to do Even When We Don’t Want To

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What to do Even When We Don’t Want To

Watching the news and seeing trials and challenges on many levels we’ve come to understand that until “it” happens to us, it’s often not important. People in leadership (politicians, leaders making rules, business owners running businesses, and parents raising children) will all make decisions that affect others but until it affects them….it won’t always be seen as important or necessary to consider other options of how to engage, care, or help. Cindi Ferrini writes on what do even when we don’t want to…

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A Checklist for Building A Resilient Faith

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A Checklist for Building A Resilient Faith

Resilience is defined as the ability to withstand or recover quickly from a difficult situation. To have a resilient faith we need to build into our spiritual lives the actions needed to recover from the hurts, the pain and the relentless suffering that dealing with disability brings. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus we will be able to withstand the challenges that we face. Mary Underwood shares about having resilient faith for special needs parents.

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Activating Adulthood

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Activating Adulthood

Age 18 seemed so far away for so long for my firstborn. Yet, a few months ago my daughter blew out 18 candles on her birthday cake. The banner behind her declared her 18th birthday as well, in case I needed another reminder. This birthday marked her change from childhood to adulthood.

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5 Tips for Communicating with Your Church About Accessibility

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5 Tips for Communicating with Your Church About Accessibility

“As I connect with Christian families impacted by disabilities, I’ve heard the same stories repeated over and over again. Stories of hurt and frustration over words spoken and looks given within the walls of our churches. Stories of the desire to be a part of a church family, but seeing hurdles that just seem too big to overcome.” Cortney Jenkins gives five tips to talk to your church about accessibility.