by Jolene Philo | Nov 28, 2022 | Caregiving, Mental Health, Spiritual Growth
The grief of disability caregiving almost overwhelmed me this autumn.First, my Aunt Donna, an oasis of security and love during my childhood, died. Grief over Donna’s death was accompanied by grief for my mother. She’s the elder sister by six years,...
by Joe and Cindi Ferrini | Oct 17, 2022 | Caregiving, Challenges, Special Needs Parenting
“I don’t see anything wrong with that child.”Give it 10 minutes; give it an hour. Take time to be with “that child” or “that adult,” and then you will be able to discern what makes them different, where they excel, and where they need additional help.So many...
by Jolene Philo | Sep 26, 2022 | Medically Fragile, Mental Health, Special Needs Parenting
Our pastor was introducing a new sermon series about beauty when these four words, which I had never strung together before, which I did not want to string together, took up residence in my brain. My response was swift and prickly.The beauty of disability? Why would I...
by Jolene Philo | Jul 25, 2022 | Caregiving, Medically Fragile, Mental Health
How can I make you feel safe? This question runs through my mind every time I enter the room in the long-term care facility where my mother lives. When I walk through her door today, she is asleep in her recliner, her body listing to the left as usual.I put my things...
by Jolene Philo | Jun 27, 2022 | Caregiving, Medically Fragile, Special Needs Parenting
“Hi, Mom!”At the sound of my voice, her gaze moved from the open window to me. A smile lit her face when she caught sight of the bouquet of irises in my hands. “They’re beautiful! Where did you find them?””They’re the first...
