Way back in April, I posted a blog series about Kurt and Joy Owens and their ministry, Snuggles for Sam. The ministry is in memory of their baby boy, Sam, who died of a serious heart condition in early 2010. I keep up with their family and their ministry by subscribing to their Caring Bridge page. My Africa Last spring was a season of deep grief for Joy. Many of us ached and prayed for her as she...

If you’ve read my book, A Different Dream for My Child: Meditations for Parents of Critically or Chronically Ill Children, you know about Nic. He’s the young man who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age three. But if you don’t know Nic, let me introduce you to him and his medical condition. What’s Neuroblastoma? Neuroblastoma is the medical name for a type of childhood cancer...

The previous post suggested five ways parents of hospitalized kids can respond when people offer to help. The longer your child’s illness lasts, the more ways people can assist you. Here are five more ideas for the people who want to make your situation manageable. Pet Care Arrange for someone to care for your pets in your home or provide “foster care” in theirs. Laundry Have someone...