Dec 15, 2010

No Room at the Inn


In some respects I can understand how Mary and Joseph felt as they were turned away in Bethlehem; after knocking on every door only to be told, "Move on, there's no room here".  

Mary was laboring and heavy with child.  A donkey ride would not provide much relief.

While my labor is of a different sort, it is still just that: Labor.  Hard and difficult, and on some days brutal--sometimes the only relief I find is a kind word or smile from a random stranger, recognizing that I do exist.

As a mother of four children with special needs and a husband with a now recognized disability, unable to work, our path is less travelled.  I am the donkey bearing the burden of modern day therapies, special diets, medication management, and seeing that society accepts them for who they are.  My goal is to help them be a productive member of society someday.  

The road is dusty, and not many have been here before.  My back is sore, my feet hurt, but I plod along just as the donkey that carried the Christ child in Mary's womb, pressing forward.

On particular trying days,  I wonder if it is worth it.  

Anyone who has a child with a disability can attest to the constant  stress and worry it brings.  The grief process visits often and sometimes stays for dinner.

And then I am reminded of our Savior who bore the burden for All. 

Years ago, children with disabilities would have been institutionalized because there was no room for them in society.  I still see this today, but in a different sense.  In schools, the 'least of these among us' are in small closets or halls because there is no room for them and not enough funding to give them the education they need.   A lot of parents do not have the energy, time or money to put up a fight.  How can I expect the school system to ease my burden when they have to see to the needs of the majority of the children?   Perhaps they do the best they can, but it's still not sufficient for the child with special needs.  

As a mother, it is my job to help my child navigate the world and fit into society.  It is my job to see that their needs are met, that their physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs are being nourished.  That job becomes difficult when you struggle with the very basics of everyday living.  Food on the table, clothes on your back and shelter overhead are your number one priorities.  Of course, this in and of itself, separates you from most other people.  

Sometimes opportunities are placed  before us and we don't recognize them as a way to serve.  Perhaps that child or person with a disability or mental illness is our path to learning and growth.  It is not their fault, they did not deserve this.  They are here to teach us about unconditional love, but it is you that needs to open that door.

At this time of year when we reflect and contemplate the birth of our Savior, I ask that you seek out a family struggling with mental or physical disabilities.  Let them know that YOU know they exist.  Stop and think what our Savior would do with the "least of these among us".  They would be the first that the Savior would welcome to his knee, this I know.  These people are  miracles who continue to amaze me with their insight and unconditional love, in spite of their own difficult challenges. Because of this, my so called "burden" is a joy to carry. 

Let them know that with YOU, there IS room at the inn.

Dec 4, 2010

SPEND A WEEK IN OUR LIVES




When I received our schedule for this coming week, it hit me for the  first time that this is A LOT of therapy.  So I thought I'd show the world what a week in our lives is like.  I'm not doing this to complain, just to raise awareness..  It has become our lifestyle, I guess.  You get used to it.  Add on top of that Scouts, church activities, choir practice (for Hunter), Bill's PSR with another agency, driving four kids to three different schools (no busing) plus Mercedes is now taking two classes at an entirely different high school (which means she needs a ride to and fro because of budget cuts in the school district)  and it makes my mind explode. And the wallet. ;)

Bill
Thu 12/ 9/2010
4:00-7:00 Dr. Traughber, Psych Testing

Hunter
Wed 12/ 8/2010
1:00-3:00 Dr. Traughber, Psych Testing

Thu 12/ 9/2010
4:00-5:00 Tyson, Individual Therapy
5:00-5:10 Rachel, Pharmacological mgmt
5:00-6:00 Dr. Gibson, Family Therapy (Hunter will come in about 10 min late from Rachel)

Mason
Tue 12/ 7/2010
4:00-6:00 DT Chad
6:00-7:00 Tyson, Individual Therapy
7:00-8:00 DT Chad 

Wed 12/ 8/2010
3:00-5:00 Dr. Traughber, Psych Testing

Thu 12/ 9/2010
4:00-4:45 DT Samantha
4:45-5:00 Rachel, Pharmacological mgmt
5:00-6:00 Tyson, Individual Therapy
6:00-7:00 SLP

Fri 12/10/2010
4:00-7:00 DT Chad 

Sat 12/11/2010
3:00-6:00 DT Chad

Ryder
Mon 12/ 6/2010
1:30-3:30 DT Kaeli
3:30-5:00 DT Jessica
5:00-6:00 SLP
6:00-6:30 DT Maegan 

Thu 12/ 9/2010
3:45-4:00 Rachel, Pharmacological mgmt
4:00-5:00 Jamie, Individual Therapy
5:00-6:00 OT
6:00-8:00 DT Kelsey

Fri 12/10/2010
1:30-7:30 DT Kelsey 

Sat 12/11/2010
10:00-4:45 DT Kelsey

Stephanie
Tue 12/ 7/2010
9:00-11:00 Dr. Gibson, Individual Therapy

BEING GREEN

THE CUT-OUT KID STRIKES AGAIN!

Ernie and Oscar learn they like different things-great for kids on the Spectrum!