Summer

Getting Stronger as a Family

This summer flew by. We didn’t do a ton of things, but we did get out more than we have in the past. That was one of my goals; to be able to take my kids places. I wanted to make memories and I made sure I had the resources to accomplish that. We invested […]

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Daniel

To my son on his 3rd birthday

You’ve been through so much in your first three years of life. And no I’m not just talking about the eight surgeries you had before you were two years old. Or the daily therapy sessions and weekly doctor appointments. I’m talking about your relationship with your two siblings. Your brother has Autism and is sensitive […]

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Father's Day

To My Husband on Father’s Day

You are my rock. You are the reason I’m able to manage all we have endured together. You’ve never left my side no matter what the experience. We are one month shy of our 5-year wedding anniversary, yet we’ve been through so much in just our first few years of marriage. A conversion of faith […]

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Autism

Feeling a Sense of Relief

This past winter was hard. Everything was getting to me and it hit me how much we’ve been through. I held my cool for a long time, but I think I finally processed the last 4 years. It’s been draining and exhausting. The kids had the most therapy we’ve experienced. Sometimes I feel so controlled […]

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Autism

There’s Nothing ‘Wrong’ with my Son

One of the most difficult things about having a child with special needs is knowing what to say when people say hurtful comments. I used to prepare myself with the perfect comebacks if such a situation would arise. However, when that time came, I was speechless. One of the most unthoughtful comments that was said […]

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Autism

My son was born with Autism and it’s genetic

When I was eight months old, I had open heart surgery to repair my pulmonary valve that was only 2mm wide open. As a result, sometimes I have shortness of breath. I could possibly have another surgery in the future to replace the valve. Other than that I have no other medical conditions. Thirty years […]

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Clubfoot

Clubfoot doesn’t slow down my son

When I was 16 weeks into my second pregnancy, I found out my baby was going to be born with clubfoot. Clubfoot is when one or both feet are turned inward or outward. The affected foot is usually smaller than the other. Treatment is usually successful through a combination of casting, stretching, and taping. This […]

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Resolutions

Resolutions: Knowing our limits

Sometimes it’s really hard for our family to go places outside of the home. Whether it’s going to church, a park, a holiday get-together, or some other event, it’s difficult for my husband Steve and I to juggle our three kids 3 years old and under. We’ve probably only been to a restaurant as a […]

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Resolutions

Resolutions: Using respite the right way

Something I want to start doing this year and really need to do for my own health is using respite services to take a break and do something for myself. Respite allows caregivers time away from their duties while someone else comes in to care for your loved one. Breaks are important for any parent […]

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