Don’t Short Change My Kid

By Sandy on September 25, 2013

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Most of the time, I am happy to listen. That is, UNTIL those opinions put limitations on my child. Don’t even go there.

I’m well aware Josiah has challenges. I understand he has great difficulty with most things. I’m quite sure I have a grasp on what he is and isn’t capable of. I do not need well meaning professionals to paint that picture for me.

If there are limitations on what someone is willing or able to do to aide Josiah with the acquisition of new skills and abilities, fine. I understand that too. Just don’t go down the road that says there’s not much more we can do for him.

Ten Thankful Things

By Sandy on January 15, 2013

Right before the new year began, the phrase ‘ten thankful things’ popped in my head. Ten thankful things? What was that all about?

Almost immediately, without really giving it too much thought, I began to mentally create a list of 10 things I was thankful for.

A day or so later, it happened again. Ten thankful things. I ticked off a quick list in my mind. This time however, I gave it a little more thought. What if I started EVERY day by thinking of ten thankful things?

The Fire Swamp

By Sandy on January 12, 2013

Josiah stayed home from school yesterday. He had a fever and slept almost all day. This morning he woke early and seemed a bit better. He wasn’t bouncy, which would indicate he was all the way better, but he was definitely smiley. Though still a bit lethargic, his interest in a string toy reassured me he was on the mend. Then I heard him cough.

If you know The Princess Bride movie, undoubtedly you remember the Fire Swamp scene. Westley rescues Buttercup from lightening quicksand, then discusses their next move. Entering the deadly swamp is the only way out of their dire situation, yet Buttercup knows if they do, they won’t survive. With a smile on his face, Westley tells her they have already succeeded. He proceeds to describe the three terrors of the Fire Swamp. The first one is the flame spurt. There’s a popping sound preceding each, which they can avoid.

Dear God, Fix It, Amen

By Sandy on November 27, 2012

Last night, Rick and I talked briefly about the recent behavior challenges with Josiah. Rick confessed it felt hopeless. He admitted he was overwhelmed and confused by the onset of some new behaviors. He said he’s trying to understand what all this is supposed to mean. What’s the lesson behind all of this? That’s my husband for you. He’s the analytical one, always trying to figure things out. I’m not sure there are answers, quite honestly.

Interview Questions

By Sandy on November 8, 2012

Recently, a very special college student who is like a daughter to me, sent an email. She is majoring in Special Education and was given an assignment to interview the parent of a child with a disability. She asked if I would be willing to answer her questions. I was happy to help.

It didn’t take long to write out my answers. The words just poured out. Little did I know tears would be streaming down my face almost the entire time. I’m not sure it really matters, but I felt the need to share. Here, in part, are her questions and my answers.