Margaret Vasquez explained that emotions aren’t who we are. Rather, they are similar to physical sensations. When we feel something hot, cold, sharp, or painful, our bodies are alerting us to approach with caution something in our environment. When we feel emotions––big and small––our mind is alerting us to something internal that deserves our attention.
Caregiving, Challenges, Hope, Living Life Daily, Scripture, Special Needs Parenting, Spiritual Growth
The world might seem to have a lot to offer, but as it applies to the caring of a child or loved one with special needs, it offers us things that won’t make us happy and won’t deliver what we need. The world will always lack authenticity and the act of serving will not be very high on the rung of the ladder, by world standards.
Caregiving, Challenges, Hope, Living Life Daily, Special Needs Parenting, Spiritual Growth
God convicted me. He challenged how much I believed it. What would my and my husband’s actions tell us? Were we believing God for His plan for our son, or were we expecting Him to help with ours? Were we open to the possibility that His plans might be different from what we’ve envisioned?
Caregiving, Disability Awareness, Living Life Daily, Medically Fragile, Special Needs Parenting, Spiritual Growth
Did I trust God’s plan for the life of my child with disabilities? Did I trust God’s plan for the life of my child with disabilities during his frequent medical crises as a baby? Did I trust God’s plan for the life of my child with disabilities when he was a young adult? Do I trust his plans now?
Caregiving, Challenges, Hope, Living Life Daily, Special Needs Parenting, Spiritual Growth
When we care for our child(ren) with special needs, it’s self-sacrificing. It is more than a “job” as some might say, it is an undertaking (as one of my friends shared so succinctly with me). Yet some of us have a different level and depth of care. Although our son needs 24/7 attention and care, he can do a good number of things on his own. Cindi Ferrini shares the difference between Self-less and Selfless.
While others are making resolutions and exciting plans for a new year, special needs families may have dread in our hearts. Recently, I was reminded of the story of manna in the Bible. Here’s what I need to remember as we enter a new year.
There are some things in life we need to lose in order to gain in other areas. When parenting a child with special and medical needs, it becomes vitally important to reflect on how we are living, areas we need to improve, and discover ways to better ourselves.
Even though it may be hard and the deck is stacked against meeting these needs, you will push through to be healthy so you can offer your best personal, parenting, and professional gifts to those you are here to serve.