Aug 2, 2011 Posted by Jolene

What I Wish I’d Known at Diagnosis, Pt. 1

Where were you the day your child was diagnosed with a special need? Do you remember what was said? What you were wearing? What you were thinking? Guest blogger Amy Stout vividly remembers the day when she and her husband received Kylie’s diagnosis of autism. She describes her response in today’s guest blog and shares some bits and pieces of wisdom she’s learned along the way. Things... read more

Oct 4, 2010 Posted by Jolene

4HisHeart- Snuggles from Sam Update

Last spring, Kurt and Joy Owens shared the story of their ministry in honor of their baby boy, Sam. (4HisHeart – Snuggles from Sam, Part 1 and 4HisHeart – Snuggles from Sam, Part 2) At their CaringBridge website, they recently posted an update about the ministry, along with the story of one beneficiary of it and some childhood heart disease statistics. Here’s what they had to... read more

Jul 7, 2010 Posted by Jolene

Joy Owens Went to Africa

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 shared... read more

Sep 14, 2009 Posted by Jolene

Nic: Neuroblastoma Survivor

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... read more

Aug 13, 2009 Posted by Jolene

Five Ways to Help When a Child is Hospitalized, Part 2

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... read more