“The Woman in the Mirror” is the perfect Mother’s Day gift for all my friends who are “special” mothers.

I read this beautiful “poem” from another “special” mom’s facebook wall and had to find the original and share it with you today! I’m thinking of you!

I saw an unfamiliar face in the mirror today. She caught my eye as I rushed to start the day. I hardly recognized this woman. What had changed in her eyes? She was no longer young, naive and viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses. What had caused the worry lines and thoughtful brow?  How could she look so fragile and weary, yet also determined and strong?  Around some corner on the road of life…….she had been shaken to the core of her very being.

There was a time when only tears and fears were reflected in those eyes. A doctor’s unexpected words, the future suddenly uncertain……gray, shadowy images of the vague and scary concept of her child coming into the world as “disabled”. An incredible journey began that caught her by surprise and would take her places she never thought she would go. The journey had been long at times and she had shed tears of pain and tears of joy. She’d had hopes and dreams dashed in the blink of an eye. She’d asked the question WHY? She’d had friends fail her and not know what to say or how to help.  She’d seen her child suffer. She’d cried silent tears into her pillow at night. Tears of exhaustion and fear. Tears of helplessness and longing.  Tears of thankfulness and relief. Tears that are choked back during the day, but are unleashed like floodwaters in the safety of the night to wash away any walls being built up to protect her heart. Nights of worry blurring into days of endless responsibility. But then slowly, but surely, her broken heart begins to heal and mend.

The same pity she had once felt as she watched a mother hold her ‘special child’ close was now looking back at her in the eyes of strangers. But a smile tugs at her lips as she suddenly realizes that now she knew the secret! The hard-fought, carefully guarded secret that was slowly revealed in the depths of her heart…..but only after the tears and anguish of the first days and weeks of this new life. The illusive truth that mothers of special children discover as they take their first faltering steps down this new path……..It was okay. She and her child could survive, even thrive!  It was not as grueling and unforgiving a road as she had imagined. The fog, confusion, despair and fear were being slowly replaced by peace, acceptance, contentment, joy and gratitude.

A mother’s unique, unconditional love changes the equation that may look hopeless and tough from those outside,  looking in. She will fight for, live for and die for her child. These special children transform those around them into different people. Stronger people. Dare I say it……deeper people. Long gone are the days when all they had to worry about was where to vacation or what color mini-van to buy. They now struggle with life and death medical issues.  They must answer their child’s questions about life’s unfairness and pain.  What remaining strength and energy they have is spent trying to make their ’family life’ as normal and happy as possible.

A twinkle returns to the eyes of the woman in the mirror as she takes a deep breath and remembers what she’s been fighting for.  How very worthwhile this journey has been! This child is an incredible gift and it is a privilege to be given the task of raising her.  Her child is beautiful and perfect in her eyes. She longs for her child to be seen by the world through this filter of love, acceptance and potential. Could others take the time to see past this little girl’s slower steps to see the life and love reflected in her eyes? Would her child be able to see herself through the filter of contentment that the woman has journeyed so long to discover?

Hope was rekindled as the woman’s eyes grew brighter. The future remained uncertain, but the incredible, protective love she felt for her child threw a warm blanket over the cold, dark storm clouds that used to threaten her very soul. As she threw open the doors of her heart, she felt the warm sun on her face and she beheld a beautiful rainbow of intense beauty and unmistakable peace. Hope still comforts this woman who cries in the middle of the night. Love gets her through each day. Faith takes her hand and leads her around each corner and through each deep, dark valley. Peace soothes her heart as she relinquishes control of their destiny to One wiser and all knowing. Joy brings laughter and smiles to those tired eyes once again. Each day is recognized for the gift it is.

I gave that woman a smile as I left her at the mirror today. I’ll see her again soon and I’m curious to see how she will continue to change and grow.  She’s not the same young, carefree woman she used to be, but that is okay.  I like who she is becoming and I feel comfortable in her life. The sun is shining, the day is brand new, my child is humming and God is so good!

By Cheryl Veenstra

Have a beautiful and blessed Mother’s Day!

Dayna

P.S. Were you blessed by this post of The Woman in the Mirror? Please share it with other special moms!

Welcome to the very first installment of Dayna’s GraceNotes, Life Success Tips in small bites!

Hooray!

This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a very long time but just didn’t know how the pieces would fit together in the grand scheme of what I’m doing.

But here we are! The time has finally come!

I hope you will enjoy them and share with others!

Persistence is the name of the game if you ever expect to reach any goal.

With this life success tip of persistence, I hope you will be a little closer to reaching your goals!

If you enjoyed this Dayna’s Gracenotes Life Success Tip today, place “like”, share and leave a comment!

Oh! and Please Subscribe to my youtube channel!

Be inspired! Be blessed!

Dayna

P.S. Are you a caregiver or special needs parent needing to work from home?

Click below to see how you can make money from home blogging!

As a parent of a special needs child or a caregiver for a parent or spouse, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at times.

That’s when a good Inspirational Video comes in handy.

At times when our own family situation is very stressful, when David’s Dystonia seems especially our of control and it’s tempting to whine and complain, I try to remember this inspirational quote:

I’ve inserted many of these inspiring quotes into an Inspirational Video that I hope will lift you up when the stresses of your circumstances seem overwhelming.

I just wanted to leave you with one of the quotes from the inspirational video because I think it pretty much sums it all up.

Have a blessed day!

Dayna

aka. hopebuilder

I’ve recently found a unique way to blog about anything and make an extra income from home. If you would like to see my new blog please come on over. Just click the little man below.

It was just a simple question, “What are you going to be doing this weekend?” Sort of like, “How are you?”.

We don’t always expect people to answer in detail. But Sylvia’s response was so unexpected and life altering.

“Did I tell you my mom is getting another child?” Sylvia’s mom is a fairly new foster parent and I’ve been so touched by this woman’s self-sacrifice.

“No, I didn’t know.” I said.

“She is hoping to get him this weekend. He’s been in the hospital.” she said casually.

“Oh, is he a baby?” I asked.

“No, he’s 5. He’s been in the hospital because he has brain tumors and only has 3 – 6 months to live.” She explained.

“Whoa! Back up!” I thought.

As the story unfolded from her through my pelting questions, I was so overcome with emotion that I just burst into tears. This precious, sick little child is in foster care! Why is he in foster care?

As it turns out, his mother is in rehab for drug addictions, they don’t know where his father is, and the only other family he has is in Louisiana and they don’t want him. I couldn’t hardly bare the sadness of this!

Sylvia explained to me that her mother wanted to take him so that he could feel love and comfort his last days. The whole family was getting together to welcome him “home”. It was at that point that I lost it.

What a saint her mother is. What a beautiful conscious act of kindness and love! And isn’t that what Jesus means when he says,

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Please pray for this sweet precious child in his last days, that he will know the love and comfort of the Lord. Pray also for this sweet lady as she cares for him and lives out the gospel of grace.

There are very few people who  have a natural knack for communicating with a handicapped or special needs person.

Most of us need a little guidance with a few tips but some rare individuals just seem to naturally know.

This is a tale of 2 sweet little boys.

Sunday night at the reception after our annual Choir Christmas Program I had the privilege of observing both of these kinds of people. David and I were sitting in a remote corner in the Fellowship Hall eating some yummy finger food. I usually strategically put him in an out of the way corner for a few reasons. First, I don’t want anyone to trip over his footrests. Second, I want pretty girls and children to be out of the reach of David’s very long arms. He loves to grab and hold on to people as they walk by which can be a little unnerving if you aren’t used to it, especially for a child. (maybe part of his joking personality?)

I was sitting there feeding David and talking to a friend when suddenly I heard a little voice saying firmly, “High Five!”

I looked down and saw a tiny boy trying to give a high five to David’s outstretched hand. He is the 3 year old son of one of our elders. It was the cutest sight! Over and over he shouted “High Five!” and slapped David’s hand. David was loving it – grinning and making his excited squealing noise. In fact, he got so close that I had to hold David’s long legs down so he didn’t involuntarily kick the little boy during one of his muscle spams. This sweet child had absolutely no inhibitions. Maybe it was his young age, but I tend to think he is one of those few people who sees everyone on the same plain.

From time to time during the evening I noticed another little boy eyeing David and looking like he wanted to come over to us. This child was about 6 years old. Later that evening as things were starting to die down and people were leaving the second little boy’s  mother walked over to us holding his hand. She stooped down and did her best to give him a few tips then said, “Daniel has been wanting to come over and say hi and talk to David but didn’t know how to or what to say.” So precious! This sweet child wanted to talk to David but was too shy and hesitant and needed a little help and encouragement from his mom. There really wasn’t much of a conversation at that time because of the commotion of people leaving but it was a good first step for Daniel to just be near a person with special needs and just watch. And that’s ok.

Maybe next time he will be brave and smile and wave. Sometimes that’s all you need. But one thing’s for sure, David will be ready for a high five when he sees Josh’s son. He will also be ready to grin at Daniel the next time he sees him.

One of my favorite authors and devotional writers is Roy Lessin.  He often writes in such a way as  ”scratching where it itches”.

Just this morning I read this little piece from his blog which, if I understand correctly, is a preview to his new book.

Whatever we are experiencing in life, whether it be caring for a special needs child or caring for an elderly parent or ill spouse, dealing with a wayward child, or suffering a loss, wouldn’t you rather…. put your trust in Him?

Wouldn’t you rather follow His way than lean upon your own understanding?
Wouldn’t you rather find His rest than be heavy laden?
Wouldn’t you rather obey His word than go your own way?
Wouldn’t you rather believe in His timing than work things out for yourself?
Wouldn’t you rather stand on His truth than your own assumptions?
Wouldn’t you rather know His peace than have your mind filled with anxious thoughts?
Wouldn’t you rather have His wisdom than proceed with what seems good to you?
Wouldn’t you rather rely upon His strength than your own efforts?
Wouldn’t you rather know His joy than the pleasures of the world?
Wouldn’t you rather see His smile than have the approval of others?
Wouldn’t you rather enjoy His blessing than have the best the world can give?
Wouldn’t you rather trust in His goodness than anything else?
Wouldn’t you rather have Jesus than anyone else?

Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. Psalm 73:25 AMP

You can enjoy more of Roy’s writing at Meet Me In The Meadow!

Life can be challenging but happiness is simple.  The inspirational movie, Finding Joy, is a gentle reminder of what is most important in life.  Enjoy the encouraging quotes, breathtaking photography and beautiful music.  It will put a smile in your heart!

Let the created lead you to find true joy in the Creator!

Much blessings to you!

Finding Joy Movie

Click on the words above and enjoy!

As you may have noticed, I don’t blog with a schedule. I blog when something inspires me or speaks to me. At those times I know I have to share. I think others will be blessed and inspired and encouraged too.

{Video Below!}

This morning I woke up and opened my email as usual. Delete…Delete… Delete… But then I came across an advertisement from our local music hall, Minglewood Hall, here in Memphis, , it caught my eye. Usual I delete those too, without even looking at them, but this time I opened it because I saw a name I was familiar with. Drew Holcomb. I’ve never met Drew but I know his family pretty well.

I remember the day his brother was born. Marshall and I had  been married a couple of years and were enjoying our first baby. We were sitting in our young married’s Sunday School class at First Evangelical Church in Memphis, TN when the Sunday School teacher announced that Nancy and Hamp Holcomb had just had their baby. After the excitement died down they said they needed a lot of prayer because it was discovered that their newborn son had a very serious condition, Spina Bifida.

Jay Holcomb lived for about 14 years, bringing lots of joy and happiness to his family. I remember hearing the sad news of his death. Raising a child with special needs is a family affair. The special needs family goes through a lot of ups and downs together. There are many difficult and stressful days but the love for each other far outweighs the strain.

Drew Holcomb is Jay’s older brother. For many years now, Drew has made quite a name for himself in the music world. When I clicked on the advertisement for tickets to the special Christmas Concert, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, “A Very Neighborly Christmas”, it brought me to a video of one of their hit songs, Live Forever, that was played on an episode of House. I was so moved! It is a beautiful music video in honor and memory of his brother, Jay. I know you will be blessed too.

I met guest poster, Kim, in an online forum of mom’s with special needs children. I was delighted to learn that she is also a blogger and since then we’ve struck up a wonderful friendship. I know you will be blessed by her guest post today!

Jesus Makes Miracles Happen in the Storms of Life

As Hurricane Isaac bore down on the coast of Louisiana this week, the magnitude reminds us that a

smaller storm sometimes packs a lot of punch. Many times, we see natural disasters as the enemy.

They affect us and our loved ones’ lives in dramatically negative ways, and certainly, where is the

benefit in such storms? Many would not even consider such events as creations of God. But they are.

We wonder, where do they come? Why do they happen? If God created storms, then why does he

allow their negative impact on us? I, myself, truly could not answer such questions, except what I see

from the storms of life that have happened to me.

The Creator fashioned this earth that we live on in such a way as to shelter storms. He also put us here,

His creation, to care for the earth. I wonder, are we doing it? Not always, as we know.

Yet, the Lord does provide provision for His people. He really does hold His children in the palm of

His hand.

Natural disasters are like the life storms we encounter.

We always want blessings, not trials. So most of us, do not rejoice in our trials. We grumble, throw

our hands up in the air and question God. I am sure He sighs and shakes His head at us, because after

all, He does see a bigger picture, doesn’t He. The Lord really does know what is best.

When my special needs son was born, he was delivered by C-Section, which was completely

unplanned for us. He was wheeled off to the NICU immediately upon delivery for two weeks, unable

to suck, barely swallow, move and breathe. He struggled with extremely low muscle tone, severe

asthma and sleep apnea. He was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome. The battle was constant to

keep him functioning, never mind healthy. It was a miserable season of nearly four years.

Yet, through it all, the Lord whispered,

“For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Psalm 139:13

The Lord came in the storm.

When my son was nearly five years old I found the pulminologist whom the Lord wanted to use for my

son’s healing. He was young, and had had some experience with my son’s syndrome, and apparently

had a gift for healing. He medicated my son quite a bit at first, but, he actually listened to me, so I

followed his advice (Yes, I am my son’s advocate).

Then, the Lord brought healing after the storm.

My son, for the first time in his life, was not sick because of that man‘s medical treatment. We lived in

bliss with that, until this doctor told me to drop the Singulair and watch what happens. I panicked a

little at first, but by this time, I truly trusted this man’s judgment. Then, the dam burst through in a way

that was unexpected.

My son began having a constant stream of diarrhea. At first we thought it was a virus, and then, it

continued for a week and into two weeks. I took him to the general doctor, who also diagnosed him

with a virus. Yet, it persisted.

Then, in the middle of the night, while sitting up with yet another round of diarrhea from my son, the

Lord gave me a revelation. My son’s diarrhea was related to what he was eating. It was kind of one of

those “duh” moments enlightened by a complete lack of sleep. The Singulair had held back the

symptoms of a food allergy.

The next morning was all sunshine, because I removed his natural peanut butter and honey sandwiches,

which he ate 2-3 times a day. Within 24 hours, the diarrhea cleared up. I removed many other foods

from his diet, which allowed us to drop the remainder of his nine medications. Two weeks of struggle

and storms brought a blessing beyond what we could see in the immediate.

Yes, I still struggle with the idea of storms.

You would think after a miracle like this, that I would just rejoice in trials. Well, I don’t. Trials are

painful, frustrating, and when we lose sight of the Lord’s hand, they promote a lack of hope. But, in

the storms, the Lord holds the reigns. We just have to learn to let go of the reigns ourselves and pray

through the storm.

Kim is a work at home mom. She is married, cares for her two sons, one with special needs, and has

three dogs. You can frequently find her either at her online ministry, His Special Kids, or her natural

health business, The Blessed Cheaper Organic.

Recently, I had the privilege of being a guest writer on another special need’s blog. It was a post I’ve been wanting to write for my own blog but just hadn’t done it yet. Here it is. Or you can jump over to Kim’s blog, His Special Kids and read it there.

True or false. Does God make mistakes?

If you are a Christian believing in the sovereignty of God you would say without hesitation, “No!” But at some point in our lives, life gets a little more complicated and complex. “Life” throws us curve balls. Some of those curve balls may even be pretty big, to the point that almost everything we ever believed is tested to the extreme.

On April 8th, 1990, David Jennings Camp was born.

David is our 4th child. Our first child was very active and some said she was even strong-willed. (I never thought she was.:) ) As each subsequent child came along they seemed to be more and more laid back. So by the time David was born, his very laid back and even passive personality didn’t cause us to question anything about him. He was just following suit! But by the time he was 3 and not speaking we knew something was up. We felt pretty sure that he could hear fine but something just wasn’t clicking. He didn’t seem to understand when we spoke to him. We took him to several doctors and neurologists and he was eventually diagnosed as developmentally delayed in pretty much every area. For example, David didn’t walk until 19 months, he spoke only a few words until he was around 4 and he didn’t potty train until 5.

Although I’ve always fully accepted David’s condition and diagnosis there have been times when I would feel sudden sorrow and think thoughts like, “If David had been normal ….” Those thoughts have come to me especially when other children reached certain milestones. “If David was ‘normal’ he would be playing baseball.” or “If David wasn’t developmentally delayed he would be looking at colleges just like his age mates.”

But every time I have those thoughts I remember something the Lord graciously showed me and sealed in my heart when David was only 3 or 4.
It came from an article from a Focus on the Family magazine. I don’t remember what the woman’s name was but she had a child with Downs Syndrome. (Let’s say her child’s name was Katie) Through her own soul wrestling of “why did God do this?” and “Did God make a mistake?” He comforted her and clearly impressed on her heart that He did not make a mistake. There was never any other Katie. THIS was always Katie and He loved her and He chose her especially to be in this family.

Wow! That really made an impact on me. Although I didn’t have the same heart struggles that she had, that beautiful truth has remained clear in my mind when those difficult times have come. Like, the occasional conversations I’ve had with my dear dad over the years. Although he loves David, he believes God made a mistake. He slipped up. How sad to live life like that. How could you trust the Lord about anything if you thought He could make mistakes.

To bring this truth home even more, I’d like to introduce you to a beautiful story. Have you ever read, “Welcome To Holland” by Emily Perl Kingsley? You may have  read it before. Please go read it again. It will bless your heart. She has an amazing way of painting the picture of what the life of a special needs family will be.

Sure life has been extremely stressful at times.

With the onset of David’s Dystonia, there are some very hard days. But David has brought such joy and laughter into our lives. He has such a great sense of humor! Maybe that’s because he was due on April Fools day. He has such a happy and pleasant (for the most part) disposition. And when those trying times come or those sad thoughts enter my mind as I now see his age mates graduating from college, I can shout with full confidence:

“No! God does not make mistakes!”

He has planned each child just the way they are for His purpose and wonderful plan.

“For God causes ALL things to work together for good, to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Thank you for letting me share my story!

Dayna Camp
(mom of David)

www.gracetodayblog.com

www.workfromhomecaregiver.com