Dec 18, 2009 Posted by Jolene

When Your Child Is Hurting

Every now and then, a book comes along that helps both parents of typical kids and those with special needs kids. When Your Child Is Hurting is one of them. When Your Child Is Hurting The book’s author and mother of five kids, Glynnis Whitwer is transparent as she shares personal experiences and lessons learned while parenting her own children. The chapters deal with every day issues kids face:... read more

Nov 4, 2009 Posted by Jolene

Julie Papievis Part 3: Help for Brain Injured Kids

In Part 1 of this series, you met Julie Papievis, a woman who miraculously survived a near fatal brain stem injury. In that post she shared five positive ways her injury and recovery changed her.  In Part 2 of the series, she shared seven valuable tips about how parents can support their brain-injured (or special needs) child. In Part 3, the final post in the series, Julie provides some facts and... read more

Nov 2, 2009 Posted by Jolene

Julie Papievis, Part 2: 7 Ways Parents Can Support Brain Injured or Special Needs Kids

In the first post in this series, you read about Julie Papievis, a woman who survived and recovered from a severe brain stem injury. In that post, Julie shared five positive ways the accident changed her. In this one, she gives advice to parents of children with brain injuries. I think it applies to a broader audience. See what you think. Education Educate yourself about what’s happening to your child.... read more

Oct 30, 2009 Posted by Jolene

Julie Papievis, Part 1: How a Brain Stem Injury Changed Her

Julie Papievis was a dynamo before the car accident that changed her life. Now, more than a decade after her brain stem was so badly damaged the EMTs were sure she would die, she’s a dynamo again. In the months and years between her injury and recovery, which was remarkable but not total, she struggled with depression and grief for the woman she used to be. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview... read more

Oct 11, 2009 Posted by Jolene

Nine Ways to Live Triumphantly…Audio Version

A few weeks ago Lisa Copen, founder of Rest Ministries, a website for chronically ill adults, asked me to participate in her Invisible Illness Week Web Seminar. She wanted me to encourage chronically ill parents who have special needs kids. I felt a little funny addressing those parents since I don’t have a chronic illness. But since my dad was chronically ill, and my son had special needs, I said... read more