September 14, 2008

Trig Palin: “Like the rest … in every way that matters.”

My friend Suzanne sent me this article about the VP-nominee’s infant son, from Michael Gerson of the Washington Post. It is a powerful reminder of how far these extraordinary kids have come, as a group, in the last 100 years … and how far they still have to go. I ran into Suzanne at Curves the other day, and she told me that her daughter Anna (who has other, non-chromosomal challenges), who attends a regular high school, has been the basketball manager for the school team. “It’s been amazing to see how well the other girls interact with Anna,” Suzanne said to me. “The funny […]
September 13, 2008

Depression and Bi-Polar Disorder: How to Cope

Today I’d like to talk about a different kind of Extraordinary Mom: Women who struggle with emotional or mental problems, who find it difficult to get through all they have to do each day … and who sometimes aren’t able to live up to their own high expectations. Today at “Ask Sister Mary Martha,” sister fields a question from a reader who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. In her great wisdom, sister turns to a Brother Martin, who is also a sufferer. One line struck me as particularly relevant in the life of anyone who suffers from a chronic illness, especially depression: Brother Martin said […]
September 8, 2008

Mighty Mom Monday: “10 Special Blessings”

When a family finds out that one of its members has special needs, it can be easy to panic. Some couples even go so far as to contemplate abortion when they find out they are carrying a Down Syndrome or other special needs child (or, worse, go through with that terrible choice). In today’s guest post, contributing writer “Mighty Mom” shares ten ways that she and her husband have benefitted from their special needs kids (SNKs).  10)  They make me laugh. – It’s true, every day.  for example.  My oldest has a speech delay (among other things).  One day out of the blue he started walking around saying “I’m […]
July 31, 2008

Make a Difference – Become a CASA Volunteer

Today in her adoption column, Carrie Craft posts about the need for CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers, who provide support services for children going through the “system.” Carrie notes that with the high turnover of social workers, the CASA worker is often the one constant source of support a child receives. If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a child, click here to get more information about a program near you!
July 23, 2008

Be Not Afraid

Today at CatholicExchange.com, Mark Shea answers the question, “What would you do if your unborn child received a poor diagnosis, such that you knew he or she would not survive for long?” If you or someone you know is struggling with this issue, you may like to know about a special online ministry to grieving parents called “Be Not Afraid.net.” With compassion and courage, parents of “imperfect” children share their experiences with others, and affirm the reality that every child is a gift from God, no matter how long that child is in our arms. This is something worth considering for parents who are seriously […]