I was the first person to ever see you when you entered our world. I still remember holding you in my arms for the first time and whispering, “I’m your dad, I’m here to take care of you.” It’s now been eighteen years since I uttered those words to you. We were supposed to Read More…
It’s Over…Now What?
The Christmas decorations are crammed into a box in the back of the garage now. The mantle over the fireplace is devoid of the garland and ribbons that adorned it for the past month. The table decorations have been restored to their pre-Christmas centerpieces. The boxes have been recycled, the wrapping papers discarded, and Read More…
Peter Pan…In Case You Wonder
Many people have speculated about why my book is entitled, “No More Peanut Butter Sandwiches.” I’ve been amused hearing from so many people who think it’s related to my son’s autism. But the book is really about finding God’s presence, and learning to discern from Him in the midst of our struggles and Read More…
Taste and See
I need to make a confession. My given name is Jeff Davidson, but at home, I often go by my aliases. i have a secret identity. I am the Food Whisperer. I also have been known to go by the name The Meds Whisperer. To help teach me Read More…
The Heart of the Special-Needs Dad
By all the usual measures, I was winning the game. Some would say I was even running up the score. A man usually defines himself by where he is in his career, his earnings level, and how he compares his life to others. It’s how men are taught to keep score. Read More…
Superman Turns 17
“Good night Superman.” Last night, like I have every night since I can remember, I uttered those words to my son as we tucked him into bed. When I have finished praying over him for the night, I pull him up out of his bedroom swing, and I hug him. Then Read More…
Cheated?
“Don’t you feel cheated about the life you imagined you and your son would have? Don’t you feel like you have been robbed of so many blessings by having a child who can’t talk, can’t walk, and can’t really do any of the things a typical child can do?” “Don’t you Read More…
One More Night With The Frogs
photo credit museum.wa.gov.au The rhythmic croaking was strangely melodious. I would mentally filter out all the other background noise that flowed out of the woods adjacent to our house. The birds, the crickets, all the other sounds would fade away until I could only hear the frogs. They croaked in a harmonious Read More…
Help Wanted
Next week another Father’s Day arrives. This will be my 16th as the father of a son with special needs. I was thinking today about all the new dads of children with special needs who will be celebrating their very first Father’s Day this year, and the ones who just received a diagnosis Read More…
Sometimes Better Follows Worse
“No deposit, no return.” My father-in-law whispered those words to me as he gave me his daughter’s hand at our wedding. This Sunday will be our 23nd wedding anniversary. Ironically we will spend it leading a marriage retreat for couples raising children with special needs. I don’t know if I believe in love Read More…