About the time I've wrapped my mind around our Apraxia diagnosis, we've learned that Jackson has Sensory Processing Disorder. He's a sensory seeker who can be quite aggressive. Always seeking more proprioceptive input, the sensory craver may bite, kick, hit, and behave in a seemingly aggressive manner. (The Out-of-Sync Child) I'm guilty of not always meeting Jackson's behavior with grace. Instead I get frustrated, embarrassed. and doubt my ability as a mom. I have no idea how to handle Continue Reading
I’ll Be Brave…
Thirteen years ago I applied to the University of Oklahoma unbeknownst to my parents. Imagine their surprise when I showed them the acceptance letter and shared my plans to leave that tiny Texas town to chase my childhood dream. I was brave. My dad drove that UHaul north on I35 and I felt exhilaration and anticipation. I had no fear. But it wasn't long after the boxes were unloaded and my parents drove away that a deep ache settled and stayed. I've never felt that lonely in all my Continue Reading
What Apraxia Steals…
I've felt sad this week. It seems I'm constantly reminded of what I thought life with a three-year-old would be like. I thought we'd be signing Jackson up for T-Ball. I thought he'd get to go to Vacation Bible School. I thought he'd be potty trained by now. I thought we'd be packing for Disney World. I thought play dates would be something to look forward to. I've felt alone this week. Unless you've had a child with special needs; it's hard to comprehend the daily Continue Reading
Witnessing A Miracle
Being the parent of a child with special needs is exhausting and exhilarating (all at the same time). My son, Jackson, has Childhood Apraxia of Speech, a motor-planning speech disorder. He knows what he wants to say, but simply can't. His brain and mouth are still learning how to work together. Jackson also has Sensory Processing Disorder. His inability to talk and excessive sensory seeking can sometimes make typical three-year-old activities difficult. Recently, we both left a gymnastics Continue Reading
Practicing Passionate Patience
Recently I was reading from The Message. Right there in 2 Peter were two words that I'd never seen together, at least not in the NIV. Complimenting your faith with...passionate patience." (2 Peter 1:6) Passionate patience? What does that look like? Waiting with passion? What if I were passionately patience with Jackson? How could that transform motherhood? These were just a few of the questions running through my mind. I decided to Google passionate patience and was very glad I Continue Reading