As I’ve shared before, my 13-year-old daughter has Cornelia de Lange syndrome. It’s a rare genetic syndrome resulting in growth delays, developmental delays and autistic-like behaviors. At least, that’s the way I used to describe it. Now, I may be changing labels and “upgrading” her diagnosis. Why? Because we just got the test results back from a study we participated in through Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia looking into behavior and autism in CdLS. Was there
He Comforts Me
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NIV) The path I follow sometimes leads through very dark places. Where dangers lurk in the shadows and I can get easily spooked. If not for the calming presence of my Shepherd and the protection of his rod and staff. My path has
The Race Marked Out
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” ~Hebrews 12:1b I’m in training to run life’s race with perseverance and I hope to finish strong. But, which race am I running? The race marked out for me. That means there is a road I should take to reach my destination. A path marked by the course official. Discovering that route can be a challenge and we’ll save that topic for another day.
Contentment
“I have learned to be content with whatever I have” ~ Phil. 4:11 My journey hasn’t been easy. Chronic fatigue syndrome. A child with Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Another child with allergy-induced asthma. Extremely tight finances. A manuscript rejected – several times. Have I ever wished things were different? You bet. Am I learning to be content? Absolutely. Because contentment is not desiring more than what I have. Being satisfied. Not wishing I was someplace
Thankful – Part 2
Are you still as full of turkey as I am? Even to the point of being stuffed? (Very bad pun intended). Are you as full of thanks as you are of food? That’s the real question. In honor of Thanksgiving and two special events in our family, I’m continuing my theme of being thankful. On Wednesday, I shared the story of my 6-year-old son’s birth and how thankful I am that we both survived. Today,
Road Trip – Landmarks
So far on our hypothetical road trip, we’ve planned our destination and route, chosen what to pack (and what to leave behind) and taken a look at our map to know when we need to turn. Today, we’re turning our focus to landmarks. Those prominant and identifying features of the landscape that serve as guideposts or turning points in our journey. Those things we see on the horizon that grow closer with every mile. Often,
Road Trip – Planning
We’re going to take a road trip. What’s that you say? Where are we going? How will we get there? I’m glad you asked, because we need to do a little planning before we put the key in the ignition and back out of the driveway. Last summer, our family took a trip to Branson, Missouri. That was our destination. Now, the route we took? That involved much debate and cross-referencing the GPS and Mapquest
Back to School – Part 2
This week we’re celebrating going back to school by looking at how we can get a fresh start too. Monday, we looked at old and new friends. Today, let’s focus on those new classes. My kids are taking the following classes: reading, spelling, writing, math, history, science, music, art, computers, library, physical education, and study hall. Now, whether they’ll actually learn something during the class is another matter. Here’s my list of things I’d like
Back To School – Part I
It’s that time of year again. My kids and my husband are all headed off to school. One as a teacher and football coach (I won’t see much of him until November.) Two in middle school and one starting kindergarten. As they eagerly prepare . . . Scratch that. As I eagerly prepare for them to return, I’m reminded of all the newness of going back to school. New boxes of crayons. Unsharpened pencils. Pristine
My Journeys
On Monday, I gave you a glimpse into my journey as a parent when my daughter was diagnosed wtih CdLS. But parenting a specials needs child is not the only journey in my life. The journey of faith: I was raised in a Christian home. In fact, my dad was a pastor. I made a faith decision at a very young age and grew up in church. As a teen, I took a closer look