Saturday Storytelling...

It's 2011, already!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE !!!

We've been spending a lot of time on the road over the Christmas holidays.  I think everyone ought to log in a few hours on "roadtrips".  There are always some good conversations and some good arguments, just as there are good roads and bad roads along the way.

Special needs families can do the roadtripping too - it's just best to plan ahead and try and think of every contingency.  Now that sounds like something you just put on your to-do list for the trip... but in reality it is bigger than anything else with a checkbox beside it. 

Special needs parents will ask themselves a ton of questions about "what could possibly go wrong?", cover most of them by bringing along things or techniques to manage the possible difficulty, but there will be some things that just slip in with no advance warning... and no matter how experienced the parent is with the needs of the child.

Our last trip included travel through snowy weather which we don't usually see.  Snow came down, it blew around, and it stuck... to everything!  The roads weren't the biggest problem, the temperature was!  Brrrr!!   We were tucking everything we could find around our son with special needs, to keep him warm enough so we didn't have to run the heater on high and toast ourselves crispy!   The problem we didn't foresee was that if (did I say IF?) the son developed a leak in his protective-wear, all of these clothes and fleece items were going to get wet and need to be stored somewhere until we arrived safely at our destination... 

It all turned out okay, though.  We located a large black plastic trash can liner and used that for containing everything.   Never have I been so grateful for our family tradition of marking a black trash bag (filled with Christmas gifts ) with the silver-Sharpie words "NOT Trash!!" 

Thankful Thursday

Thankful List, for this Thursday...

I just want to mention again that... every attempt at making this list is just another addendum to the ongoing list,.  I know I will never be able to put into words all that I have been blessed with and all that I have become aware of being thankful for...

My God chose to send His Son into the world that He has made, to save us... to redeem us from all of the unrighteousness we represent, and to cover us with the righteousness of His Son, that we might have a real relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross.  Today, I am so thankful for the Bible, for it's timelessness and for the way God has protected it over the years in such a way that now any of us (yes even I) may have a copy of my own to hold in my hands, and to read with my own eyes the marvelous works of our Creator and of our Redeemer. 

"I rejoice at your word

like one who finds great spoil."

Psalm 119:162   ESV

Thankful Thursday

As always I feel overwhelmed by the task of listing a "peek through the window" view of what I'm truly thankful for. This week's list is short aside from the MOST important thing I'm thankful for: God... and all that He is!

The only other thing on my thankful list this week is:

• the way that God chooses to and does use people (that we know or don't know... closest of friends or the ones we try so hard not to like)... He uses people to speak truths into my life, grabbing my attention and pointing me back to Him where I get a directional change for my day, my thoughts, my LIFE!

"Your ears will hear a word behind you,
"This is the way, walk in it,"
whenever you turn to the right or to the left."

Isaiah 30:21   NASB

Thankful Thursday

I'm so thankful for God's provision for me, for my Savior's love for me, and for the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. Our God is so gracious to me.

This week I am also thankful for:

• people with medical training
• people with patience
• people who pray purposely
• people who smile broadly
• sunshine
• chocolate

"Honor all people,
love the brotherhood,
fear God,
honor the king."

I Peter 2:17 NASB

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Thankful Thursday

I've been sharing my list of things for which I'm thankful, piece by piece, as I become aware (or newly-aware) of them. The list grows far more rapidly than I can record, but once again, on Thursday, I'm posting a bit of the list that is most currently on my mind.

Thankfulness begins with the acknowledgement and recognition of the one true God. There is no valid thankfulness or gratitude without this awareness. So, here goes the list for this week...

I'm so thankful this week...

• that there is a God and LORD over all - I am an infinitesimally small speck, in the big picture
• that He beckons me to come to Him, to know Him -even though I'm so small
• that He alone gives all things - I have nothing that didn't come from Him
• that He grants forgiveness - whenever I ask, admitting failure and turning back
• that He LOVES unendingly- and shows ME how to love, giving me relationships with both loveable and those harder-to-love people
• that He allows me to recognize the blessings of:
  family and friends, "health" and "home", sunshine and rain.

Lyrics Tommy Walker lyrics - Only A God Like You lyrics

Monday Musings...

Today, I had the privilege of witnessing a "complete turnaround" by my son who'd been having symptoms of vertigo. It was amazingly quick, and was not totally expected, so truly filled my heart with joy! I am SO thankful that the dizzying symptoms have cleared up!

Last week and over the weekend, my son with special needs had been too dizzy to stand alone or to walk straight - even with my help. If he were still a 2-year-old or 5-year-old... it would have presented me with different challenges. But my son is a young adult and, at 3 inches taller than I am, presented me with some maneuverability issues.

I've dealt with his strong seizures and with his weaknesses, but this lack of self-balancing reaction was brand new to both of us. I had to learn quickly and also to act forcefully, which isn't my typical "MO". I'm sure that at times my son was probably confused about why this quiet and gentle mother of his had suddenly become so forceful and insistent that he do things HER way. It was not what he wanted, and not what he had come to expect of me... and definitely NOT fun for him.

My son was in trouble. It was dangerous for him to carry on in "business as usual" mode. Left alone he would fall, bump into walls, miss the chair at the breakfast table, and crash into furniture pieces. I know this because he is harder to manage than he appears to be... and these things happened in the last few days.

Actually my son David normally needs my help, but more from a distance... giving verbal and gentle physical inputs to help him carry on his regular day. Only occasionally do I have to swoop in and "rescue him" from some danger or disaster he is about to cause. These last few days were NOT some of his regular days! I was compelled to come to his rescue often, and even forcefully (when, and in ways, he would not choose). I did it because I love him, and accept my role as his caregiver.

So, the LORD has been speaking to me in the silence these last few days - about HIS love for ME. And even more... about His rescuing me, even when I don't feel I need rescuing... and even forcefully rescuing me, when I am totally unaware of the dangers surrounding me. The LORD used this experience with my son David's vertigo to show me that, although I readily agree and submit as DEPENDENT upon Him(the LORD), the truth of the matter is... I have absolutely NO IDEA just how dependent I really, seriously am. And I have no clear understanding, either, of the magnitude of His love or of the joy He feels for my "recoveries".


My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

"I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

My help comes from the LORD,

Who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper;

the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all evil;

He will keep your life.

The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in

from this time forth, and forevermore."

Psalm 121 ~ESV

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Thankful Thursday

Thankfulness starts with the fact that there is a God... and therefore it never ends.

Today I'm continuing my thankful list. Some of these are new discoveries this week... others are being rediscovered in a way that demands I list them.

I'm discovering thankfulness for:

• the peace of God that passes all understanding...
• cheerful beautiful blue skies through the bare branches of winter...
• prayer partners who face life's ups and downs alongside me, without judgment
• opportunities to know and to help those who have less in life than I do
• humility in knowing those who are miles ahead of me in this race for eternity
• precious faces of my grandchildren who recognize me - even via technology
• my own copy of God's Word, and the privilege of reading it and studying it
• my husband who provides for me, entertains me, and loves me
• my three sons - they are all so very special to me

Thankful Thursday

I'm forever thankful for the grace of God's love for me, Jesus coming to save me, and the Holy Spirit guiding me.

I'm also thankful today for...

1. Awareness of God's presence
2. Sunshine peeking out from behind clouds
3. The privilege of voting in public elections for government representatives
4. An abundance of opportunities
5. Caregiving situations for our son
6. Freedom to share about God
7. God's promise to provide for me always
8. Prayerful friends
9. Skype conversations with my grandchildren
10. Paved roads between Alabama and Texas! : )

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Thankful Thursday

Today, I'm thankful for...


- a skilled rehab physical therapist for my back problems

- time available to go and do the 2-hour therapy sessions

- a reliable vehicle and money for the gas it needs

- son David's gentle spirit

- my husband's support

- prayer partners and friends who care

- HOPE, for all pending situations

- God's provision for my life

"Count your blessings,

name them one by one..."

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Friday Free Time

For over a month, I haven't really had a lot of "free time". We've been busy at our house... just with everyday normal things, but also with recoveries from an ER trip for David, and now the beginnings of physical therapy to get my aching back into shape again. Of course I have to mention the BIG event of the month - my two grandchildren have their first birthdays this month, too!

AUSTIN had his first birthday party last Saturday in Houston and we drove out there for that. Oh, what fun - pinata and all! His actual birthday was this Wednesday, and I heard they had a fun day then as well. AUSTIN is such a cutie... with a slew of priceless expressions which he parades across his precious face! Austin was quieter this trip, but still got his message across whenever he wanted to with both jabbering and facial expressions. He loves to move, and can really move FAST! He continues to show signs of athleticism which of course pleases the

Granddaddy in this family!

MEGAN will turn one tomorrow! We drove from Houston to Weatherford to see her last Saturday night after the big party for her cousin. We celebrated a little before the actual birthday, but she didn't seem to mind. At least it wasn't a belated birthday celebration! She will have her actual birthday party with family on her birthday this Saturday. MEGAN is a busy little girl who shows determination... she is chatty now with lots of sounds and babbling, and even able to use some sign language. She is loving her Mommy a lot right now and really wants to be with her. She is just a little bit shy although she can sure flirt with her Granddaddy! She has him wrapped around her little finger, just like she does her Daddy!

Uncle Dave and the Grandparents really love these two little ones, and are excited about Austin's baby sister Sophie who will soon join the family! We are so thankful to have them in our lives!

Monday Musings...

Mondays are often dreaded - but I usually enjoy them. I tell people that I like Mondays since they signal a new beginning. New beginnings are great motivators! Starting the day with a clean slate and increased energy (created by resting on the day before!) can lead to a wonderful and exciting day.

We sure had some excitement today! Our son David had a FLURRY of break-through seizures this morning while he was attending UCP-Birmingham's LINCPoint day hab program. This led to a trip to the ER, as his seizures continued one after the other. His break-through seizures occurred in the process of our neurologist's attempts to manage his many seizure medications.

People who have seizure disorders or epilepsy depend upon medications to increase the threshold at which their seizures occur. Everyone's threshold is different, and everyone's seizure disorder is different. Most neurologists aim to: achieve the least number of seizures ... using the least amount of medicine ...with the least amount of side effects, including loss of alertness or sedation.

This is the direction our neurologist was going when we were told to reduce a drug that turned out to be a necessity for our son. Balancing seizure medications is a very complicated task, especially when you factor in that every person's chemical makeup is different, and their reactions to changes in medications vary so drastically. The tenacity with which our son's personal seizure disorder "sticks in there" also makes the balancing of the goals of fewer seizures, least amount of drugs and side effects VERY difficult. It has always been this way for him, ever since the onset of seizures at 7.5 months of age.

David's seizures today were complex-partial, which is the typical presentation of seizures for him... one part of his body jerks rhythmically while he loses most of his consciousness. It's not pretty. Over the years he has had multiple types of seizures, and has had more seizures than we cared to keep a count of since they topped 3500 back in 1990. They occur MUCH less frequently nowadays, ever since the FDA gave approval in the early 90's for more drug studies in children with epilepsy. Without those "new" drugs, many of which included our son David in their drug studies, David's life would be an entirely different picture. We are SO THANKFUL that the pharmaceutical companies were given opportunity to prove that there were drugs that could help children with seizure disorders. And those same drugs were first made available to the adult population - one which David has now joined.

Life with a child with an intractable(uncontrollable) seizure disorder is never boring, but of course has its ups and downs. Today was definitely not boring... yet our son made it through the overwhelming challenges yet again. He is recovering. What a trooper!

Throughout his life, our son's experiences have pointed out the ways in which the rest of us are really the disabled ones. How many of us could constantly get up and face everyday peacefully and even cheerfully if we had these seizures to deal with? How many of us (who consider ourselves normal) could remain as calm toward those who make remarks or judgment calls toward us because of our differences? How many of us... the questions go on and on endlessly in my head. Whose accomplishments are the greatest - those of a person with much physical strength and mental power... or those with very much less? Can we really view ourselves as better because we can achieve more or "bigger" things... when persons with special needs put forth so very much energy in just achieving the taking of a breath, or the whisper of a word, or the completion of another difficult task. Are any us, deemed to be "normal", proving ourselves to be anything MORE than ... lazy, irresponsible, or ... disabled ?? I think we have a LOT to learn from those we label as disabled.

So today marks another chance for a new beginning. Let's begin today as one who is responsible, as one who is not lazy, as one who makes the most of every opportunity.

"From everyone who has been given much,
much will be required."

Luke 12:48 NAS

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Thankful List, on Saturday...

Life was hectic this week at our house... and I almost forgot to post my weekly Thankful List. Can't get away with that!!!!

So, in addition to the major grattitudes I've posted before... THIS WEEK, I'm so thankful for...

• doctors for David and the ability to be SEEN by them when we need to
• a husband with whom to share life's ups and downs
• sons... And wives for our sons!
• the amazing JOY in having grandchildren!
• options in life, and choices to make
• the overwhelming truth that... Jesus loved me enough to die on the cross, covering my sins with His righteousness! Truly there aren't any words to fully describe that!

"Beyond all these things put on love,
which is the perfect bond of unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body;
and be thankful."

Colossians 3: 14-15 NAS

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Thankful Thursday

Though I'll never be able to list all the things I am or have become thankful for, I'm listing a few again today. No amount of thankfulness nor any of the items on my list would exist without the presence of our holy God. So I'm thankful, first of all, that He exists and has made Himself known to men - and particularly to this woman.

Furthermore, I am thankful for:

• a reliable vehicle
• the ability to taste and differentiate between flavors
• variety as opposed to continual samenesss
• lunch break with my hubby
• that my toe problem of last year is now past history
• books
• friends
• and family

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever"
.
Psalm 136:1

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Tuesday's To Do List...

Today is a day in which I need to get lots of things done. That sometimes seems true for everyday at our house, but for some reason especially today. I'm tempted to just write about those things which could be identified as tasks related to the special needs in the family, but the truth is - I have those tasks plus all the regular or normal or "typical" things to get done as well.

Admitting that my "to do" list is considerably shorter than those parents who are also working in "paying jobs", here it is:

• assist young adult son in getting ready for and physically getting to his day program at UCP LINCPoint - he cannot do either without me
• order refills for the prescription drugs that give my son (and myself) a better life
• call the case worker assigned to my adult son's services through the state's Department of Health, and Department of MHMR which assists those with developmental challenges like my son's - we need her help to resolve a problem we have encountered in "the system"
• call and make a payment on special pharmaceutical drugs that are delivered to our home monthly
• call a friend of mine whom I've been neglecting to call, being sidetracked with life's challenges
• spend time cleaning at least one room of this house
• finish folding the laundry that came out of the dryer yesterday
• call a repairman for the electrical problem that we are having
• call a repairman for the appliance problem that we are having
• plot the appointment dates onto the family calendar - includes MY appointments as well as our son's appointments. I want to see where we can fit in our next trip to see our grandchildren in TX!
• call to cancel the appointment made "automatically" by the medical center's clinic, and reiterate, once again, that we cannot attend appointments on Wednesdays
• pick up the refills of prescription drugs and sort them into several containers that are dated and divided by time of day - so that in our haste we do not forget a dose of one of my son's required medications
• call a brother who is having disturbing vision problems
• pick up my young adult son and come home, an adventure of about an hour and a half
• work a few minutes on the project of getting the filed papers in our home organized - steadily making progress!
• do afternoon skin care routine for our young adult son, and other such required things
• okay, and brush my teeth, take MY vitamins, EAT something, 30-walk on treadmill, and 15 minutes outside for "fresh" air
• oh! THINK OF SOMETHING FOR SUPPER, and go ASAP to purchase the ingredients that I can't find in the pantry

That's quite a list, and it's not everything - since I won't be writing here about a lot of what we do for our son .

I cannot face days like these or any day, alone. I must go now and prepare myself for the day, by reading passages in the Bible and by talking personally with the Lord in prayer. It would be foolish to start any other way!

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:17 NIV

Thankful Thursday

I'm continuing to enumerate the things for which I've learned to be thankful. Not necessarily tangible things. Some of these things are things for which I have only recently realized my thankfulness. And others are things for which I am only just beginning to understand the magnitude of my thankfulness.


This past week, I've been so thankful for...

1) the impact of rest on a weary, aging body
2) the joy of relationships with warm and encouraging friends
3) the friendship and loyalty of a brother who chooses to continue to be helpful - cheerfully
4) my husband's growing love for me, and for each additional day we have together
5) the beauty of the ocean's tides and that visual definition of "unending" - reminding me of God's unending love forever washing over me
6) the opportunity to share a smile with someone else
7) the very LIFE found in the words of the Bible, and for my freedom to own my very own copy

"Keep deception and lies far from me,
Give me neither poverty nor riches;
Feed me with the food that is my portion,"
.
Proverbs 30:8

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful every day of my life. I can't claim that I have ALWAYS been. But what I can say is that NOW, and for the past few years(possibly up to ten or so), that I AM thankful. A hard-to-learn lesson, but one worth considering, is that thankful people are those aware of what has been given to them. None of us "deserve" anything - but the Lord God has blessed all of us in some ways. I want to be responsible - reminding myself each week that I AM thankful, and for which things I am newly (or supremely) thankful.


So THIS WEEK, I am especially thankful for...

1) my Lord's love and care for me
2) an awareness of my surroundings, made possible by my Lord
3) an awareness of the depth of my inabilities
4) an awareness that there are depths of his unfathomable greatness that I shall NEVER know this side of heaven
5) the rain and the sunshine, alternately blessing
6) my copy of God's Word, the Bible
7) friendships that He has granted along the journey of life, blessing me as flowers do (Some are daylilies and last for a short season - boosting an otherwise gloomy "day". And some are glorious perennials who are with me year after year - growing, blooming and mingling their scents with mine)
.
.
.
and, for two tiny, precious treasures named Austin and Megan!

The WORD for Wednesday...

"Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;

To Him who made the heavens with skill,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;"

Psalm 136:3-5
(New American Standard Bible)

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Thankful Thursday

In continuing to add to my Thankful List, I must always begin by restating my thankfulness for the love of God, and the gift of His Son Christ Jesus - His free gift of salvation. In addition, I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, as Comforter and Encourager, and more.

This week, I am thankful for opportunities:
1) to visit with our sons and their families in TX
2) to freely worship God in a church of our choosing
3) to live in this country, the USA
4) to share life with my spouse
5) to access the written word, without regulation
6) to know and have friendships with other Christians around me
7) to bring my needs, and those of others, to the Lord in prayer
8) to know the one, true God

I realize I am extremely blessed, and plan to share these blessings - not hoard them.

" I will praise the name of God with song
And magnify Him with thanksgiving."

PSALM 69:30

Thankful Thursday

I’m so thankful this week for many things…

1) Sunshine
2) Photos of grandchildren, shared by their parents
3) Caring friends
4) Work to do
5) My vehicle
6) Moody Christian Radio
7) My copy of the Bible
8) My new washer and dryer
9) My family

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever."

1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

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Change of plans...

Once again, we had to change our plans for the day...

Our son David had a seizure this morning as I helped him get dressed for his day. His seizures are pretty vigorous and take a lot out of him. So it's underrstandable that he requires sleep after them.

Anyway, we had a different day than what we expected. I had a day of errands planned, which had to be postponed; and David's plans had to be changed also. Typically, David attends a Day Hab Program every weekday... but not today. Today David spent his time spent resting and sleeping.

I filled my day with things that I would have done while at home in the evenings. My errands will get done another day. One thing we definitely have learned in dealing with our son's epilepsy is to be flexible... we always have a "Plan B".

On Thursday's I typically post a note to the blog called my Thankful List.
This Thursday, I am only adding one item to my list... there'll be more next week.

This week, I'm truly thankful for David's day habilitation program.
The program David attends on weekdays is UCP-Bham's Adult Program at LINCPoint. It's available for young adults with developmental disabilities in the Birmingham area. Our young adults with developmental disabilities are included in one or more of the various things available through UCP. It is an excellent program... with so much to offer!

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