What 24 Years of Being Josiah’s Mom Has Taught Me

By on

We’ve walked a long, windy, bumpy road with Josiah since 2002.  I vividly remember not being alarmed when we learned he would have Down syndrome.  I truly felt Josiah would just have a few extra hurdles to jump over.  With four typically developing siblings as built-in role models how hard could it be?

I love a challenge.

But, had I known how overwhelming, turbulent and exhausting life would become I don’t think I would have been so optimistic.

Here are some key takeaways that may help others just beginning this journey:

Read more…

Dancing in the Rain

By on

One of my all time favorite quotes, the one that helped me through countless days like the one I’m about to describe for you sits in a prominent place in our home.  I put it there for a reason.  At least 500 times a day I walk past it and have the constant reminder that I am not in control over much of what happens in this life.  However, I am able to choose how I respond. And that is only by the grace of God.  I most certainly am not able to do any of it in my own power!

Around here we have lots of stormy weather.  I think it all started when Josiah was just about 5 years old.  Seemingly out of the blue, our sweet little guy decided to crank up the noise.  He went from cuddly, loving and curious to becoming explosive almost overnight. Looking back though, those were just heavy rain showers.  As he’s gotten older we’ve endured gale force winds and frequent flash flooding much more often than I’d care to admit.

There were no warnings, no Space City Weather guys preparing us for the impending doom.  It was just us, fumbling our way through with a house full of kids, trying to figure it all out.  Most of the time it was not pretty. Read more…

Today’s Episode – WHAT Were We Thinking?

By on

I enthusiastically mentioned to Rick this morning that a visit to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts might be a great thing to do with Josiah today.  Since Josiah hasn’t been attending many activities with our local Down syndrome group or with any of the other amazing disability groups in our area I suggested we make a plan to do a new and exciting adventure each weekend.  Gradually exposing Josiah to different environments will open up his world a bit more and get him (and us) out of the house.

He recently spent a week on vacation in San Antonio with the Josiah Whisperer.  Just the two of them.  They explored every mission, restaurant and art show within a 20 mile radius, not to mention a trip to the Japanese Tea Garden and a hike (up hill at times) through the Natural Bridge Caverns.

The Whisperer blew up our phone with pictures of Josiah staring intently at art pieces and smiling at sculptures, meandering through art installations as if an art connoisseur.

So, surely a trip to our local Art Museum would be right up his ally.   I was actually quite proud of myself for even thinking of such a great idea.  Read more…

By on

ETB 43:  If you have a child with a disability who likes to disrobe at night, I have just the thing for you!  For years we would wake in the wee hours of the morning to find our son undressed and sometimes enjoying finger paining fun with the contents of his full pull up!

When we discovered THIS product, it was a game changer!  I have 8 of these in larger sizes looking for a good home.  Reach out to me if they would make a difference in your life too and they are yours!

Little Keeper Sleeper
https://littlekeepersleeper.com/

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

By on

ETB 38: In this episode I share a few stories about Josiah from the past few years when he was walking through a very long, very difficult season.  With so many challenges including aggression, destruction and self-injurious behaviors it was easy at times to lose sight of hope.

As a mom desperately trying to figure out how to best help my child,  it was heartbreaking to watch him struggle so much.  There is nothing like watching someone you love suffer and feel powerless to alleviate it.  Even after all the interventions, it was discouraging to see little to no improvement.

But I’m here to tell you, things drastically improved.  Despite the daunting forecast from a psychiatrist who told us Josiah would spend the rest of his life in a long-term psychiatric facility because he was too combative and self-injurious to live at home,  Josiah has become a different person.  He has made remarkable progress and continues to amaze me with his growth and abilities.

Don’t give up on your kids!  If you are in a difficult season and can’t imagine how things could ever get better, hang in there!  Pray without ceasing, reach out to others, seek support from those who has been where you are,  get respite if you need it but don’t ever give up hope!

Respite Care:
https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/family-support/respite-care-for-children-with-disabilities

Support Groups for Parents of Children with Special Needs:
https://blog.bayada.com/be-healthy/eight-support-groups-for-parents-raising-children-with-special-needs

GHFEDS – Galveston Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/