by Jolene | May 10, 2023 | Encouragement, Special Needs Parenting, Spiritual Support
It’s Going to Be a Different Kind of Mother’s Day It’s going to be a different kind of Mother’s Day for you this year. God whispered those words to me as I waddled into the doctor’s office in early May of 1982. Never mind that my husband and I wouldn’t see our first...
by Jolene | Nov 28, 2022 | Grief, Special Needs Parenting, Spiritual Support
The Grief of Disability Caregiving 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...
by Jolene | Jun 27, 2022 | Self-Care and Stress, Special Needs Parenting
The Power of an Open Window “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?”...
by Jolene | Sep 24, 2018 | Encouragement, Spiritual Support
Caregiving Is Hard Work My formerly feisty, stubborn, and determined mother turned 90 during Labor Day weekend of 2018. The weekend was also the 10th anniversary of when we realized Mom was having memory problems. When she decided to move in with my brother and his...
by Amy Stout | Feb 12, 2014 | Encouragement, Spiritual Support
No Longer a Thief, Pt 2: Special Needs Can’t Steal Love Guest blogger Amy Stout knows a great deal about special needs parenting, thanks to her daughter Kylie who experiences autism. When Amy’s beloved grandma developed dementia, she learned that love can...