From My Puddle to Your Ocean, Part 1
The stories told by parents of kids with special needs never cease to amaze me. Like their children, these parents are resilient, resourceful, and most of all compassionate. Today you’re going to learn more about Amber Baker, who was introduced in a blog post a few weeks back. She’s a compassionate mom who says she found her greatest support as the parent of two children with special needs when she “stepped out out of her puddle into someone else’s ocean.”
Amber’s Puddle
Amber and her husband Mike have five children: Caleb (14), Emma (12), Noah (9), Grace (3) and Jacob (1). The first three Amber said, “grew inside her” and the two youngest came through adoption. You can read more about the family at Amber’s blog, but here’s a splash in her puddle:
- The Bakers home school their kids, though the two oldest will start public school next fall.
- Grace was born with a heart defect, more serious and complicated than the Bakers were led to believe. She’s had open heart surgery, along with other surgeries to correct anomalies discovered since she became part of their family. Because of some developmental delays, she also attends a special preschool.
- Jacob was born at 23 weeks and spent 182 days in NICU. During his stay, he coded 4 times and had a grade four brain bleed. He also has hydrocephalus and a VP shunt.
Someone Else’s Pond
In my opinion, Amber’s dealing with more than a puddle. But when asked what has been her greatest support as the mother of two children with special needs, she didn’t hesitate. “It’s my online friends in the blog world. The community of parents of children with heart defects is tight and strong.” Within that community, Amber found that compared to the ocean of medical procedures some children and their moms were dealing with, her personal situation was a small puddle.
And here’s the really cool thing. Amber didn’t stay in her safe little puddle. She decided to jump into another family’s ocean and bear them up. More on that part of the story in Part 2. Until then, stop by Amber’s website and get acquainted with her family. You’ll be glad you did.
Getting my feet wet,
Jolene Philo
Jolene…you are so thoughtful and kind. Thank you. :0) I know the ocean you’re speaking of…and you still left me wanting to read more! :0)
Blessings to you friend.
Oh, Amber, you are more than welcome. Some day, I hope we get to meet in person, along with all your family. A visit to your puddle would be a treat!