It’s 3:45 in the morning. He’s up so she’s up. Another early morning wake-up call courtesy of autism. He can’t tell time so when he wakes up he assumes it’s time to start his morning. She is so tired and weary, begging God to give her enough grace to make it through the day. Before Read More…
Warning Signs of Becoming a Vacant Dad
I first used the phrase “vacant dad” a couple of years ago to describe a phenomenon we’re seeing in the special needs community. As I interact daily within the special-needs community, I am convinced that we have an epidemic of vacant dads. I call it the Vacant Dad Syndrome. What exactly is a “vacant Read More…
Even Rocks Get Rope Burns
Even rocks get rope burns. And knee bruises too. Constant pressure and stresses on rocks gradually alters their formations and composition over time. Eventually the pressures wear them down. We have a similar phrase some folks have named “compassion fatigue.” Caregivers will understand the reference. So will special-needs parents. So does my wife. Read More…
What Can We Learn From The Eagles?
Photo by the Pennsylvania Game Commission as it appeared in USA Today It’s the picture that went viral during the recent snowstorms that ravaged the country. If you watched the news or you were active on social media, you probably saw the video and pictures. Two bald eagles stoically, earnestly, and with unmatched resolve, braved Read More…
15 and counting…
15 and counting… I haven’t missed one yet, and I don’t plan on stopping. We had our annual IEP meeting this week for our 17-year old son. This was number 15. I’ve been to all of them. I read every word of the draft copy of the IEP prior to the meeting. I 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…
The Christmas Gift for Mom
Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined this would happen. It certainly wasn’t the path she had planned out for her life. When she initially got the news she was stunned. After all, this pregnancy wasn’t even expected in the first place. But to then get the news that this child wouldn’t 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…
Band of Brothers
Salesmen, engineers, policemen, IT professionals, truck drivers, small business workers, contractors, and factory workers. Blue collar, white collar, or no collar at all. Car by car they drove up the hill to the rustic lodge. Men from different backgrounds, different ethnic heritages, different professions, and different parts of the country- Read More…
The Caregiver’s Notebook
I’ve never done this on my blog before but I am so excited about my friend Jolene Philo’s new book that I asked her to share with my readers and our families about her new book. Many of you know Jolene from her wonderful site DifferentDream.com. I look forward to our family using her new Read More…