Jan 27, 2011 Posted by Jolene

Listening: Steve Siler and Shelly Beach

Grief is a constant companion for parents of kids with special needs, whether their child lives or dies. Often they need someone to talk to, but finding a good listener isn’t easy. Music for the Soul Music for the Soul founder, Steve Siler, has a new song to remind us of how important it is to listen to struggling people instead of giving them advice. You can access a free download by clicking on... read more

Dec 12, 2010 Posted by Jolene

Compassionate Friends: Worldwide Candle Lighting

Guest blogger, Scott Newport, called this morning with a reminder about Compassionate Friend’s worldwide candle lighting. Families and friends desiring to remember the lives of children who have died will light candles this evening from 7 – 8 PM in their time zones. Read more about it at www.compassionatefriends.org. If you’re a Facebook friend of Scott’s, he posted a devotion... read more

Oct 1, 2010 Posted by Jolene

What to Read in NICU

After a recent interview with a parent, part of the research for the work in progress, Different Dream Parenting: Raising a Child with Special Needs, I was speechless. The wisdom of the young mom who granted the interview blew me away. Parenting for Life The mom and her husband, only 25 during their son’s brief life, packed more parenting into his two weeks on earth than most of us accomplish in two... read more

Sep 26, 2010 Posted by Jolene

Searching for Pockets of Joy

As promised here is a follow-up post from guest blogger, Scott Newport. In his last post, he described his crusade to get palliative care at home for his son, Evan. This week, he tells how one member of the team helped Scott and his son Noah find pockets of joy even when Evan’s death was imminent. Little Moments that Last A couple of weeks back I found myself sitting alone in my woodshop. Silence... read more

Sep 17, 2010 Posted by Jolene

Hats off to Tom and Joanne Kasprzak

The story of Tom and Joanne Kasprzak and their daughter Mary has been around awhile, but I just heard about it. Mary Kasprzak Mary was born with Down Syndrome. When she died unexpectedly at age 15, her brother suggested donating Mary’s organs for transplant. At first, the doctor’s were reluctant an Down Syndrome, as it is often accompanied by heart defects. But the Kasprzaks knew Mary’s... read more