*tapping microphone*
“My name is Jenny. I’m a recovering first-born people-pleasing rule follower.”
“Hello, Jenny.”
In November, I’ll be forty. Yup. Forty years old, and I’m still growing up! It’s hard. Continue reading
Category Archives: Perspective
The Power of One
I will never forget what Elisabeth Elliot said when I had the privilege of hearing her speak in person. I didn’t know that as a young adult fresh out of college I didn’t really need those words as much then as I would fifteen or more years down the road of life.
Mrs. Elliot shared her story. She relayed how her husband and some other men who were missionaries to a dangerous tribe of Auca Indians were brutally murdered. Of course the next day she woke up in grief and shock. If I remember correctly, she said her daughter was two. Mrs. Elliot wondered what she and the other now-single women with young children would do.
I can’t even imagine.
Of course the audience hushed as they listened, including me. Then she shared what I’ll never forget. Continue reading
Share Your Strength
Yup. The holiday season is here. Autism parents, rejoice! When most people look at the picture below, they have warm, fuzzy feelings. When we autism parents look at this picture, we think, “HA! A centerpiece on my table? Yeah, right. My child would dismantle that in ten seconds flat. Pumpkin pie? I’ll be lucky if she eats her traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich. No way are you getting that texture past her lips!”, or whatever else comes to mind…
However, we do have things to be thankful for. I was mulling over some recent destruction in our home the other night, trying to come up with ways to avoid it in the future, and I remembered a discussion on our local support group’s Facebook page. Someone asked,
“How has autism made you better?”
Did you hear that record skip and slide? Birds or crickets chirping? Silence? Continue reading
Remembering Veterans Day through Literature
I love historical fiction. My favorite era is World War II. I’m not quite sure why–maybe there’s the underlying theme of saving the world. Today we have a guest post from Tricia Goyer, an author who writes historical fiction, among other things. I found her through my new job with Home Educating Family (she writes in their magazine). I can’t wait to read some of her books!
Stories Inspired
by Tricia Goyer
When researching for my first novel From Dust and Ashes, I heard the story of a group of prisoners at Mauthausen Concentration Camp that greeted American GIs by playing the United States’ national anthem. This one story became the building block for my second novel, Night Song. In my research, I also came upon another Nazi camp that not only held musicians within its walls, this camp was also used to fool the Red Cross. Continue reading
Gabby Mom Review–Welcome Home, Daddy
OK, moms. You are reading this, and most likely no one else is reading over your shoulder. Time for a moment of evaluation. When your husband comes home from work–whether it’s in time for dinner, breakfast, or somewhere in between–do you stop to say “hello” and make him feel glad he’s home? How about the time your family spends together–are you surviving or thriving? (No one is listening to your mental answers, don’t worry.) Continue reading
Reach Out and Help Someone!
The other night I went to the grocery store. Alone. Yes, alone. It is just easier on me that way–mentally and physically.
So, there I was in the check out aisle, brain frazzled from trying to make sure I figured out all the best ingredients and savviest savings. There was a mom in front of me. A mom with a full cart and a little girl sitting in the seat. A little girl who wanted to get OUT! Continue reading
It’s Early! Let the Giveaway Begin!
SURPRISE! Wit & Wisdom from the Parents of Special Needs Kids has made its Amazon debut early! That means it’s time to get this giveaway STARTED! WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!
You can now read a piece by yours truly that has never before been in print. And, no, I won’t be putting it up on the blog.
You can now laugh and cry as you read heartwarming stories from parents of children with autism spectrum children. Continue reading
