Having Fun Trying

Nate and Anna at Frozen

We took our 24-year-old daughter to see Frozen, the musical. Honestly, we were hesitant to spend the money on the tickets. We just never know what she will enjoy. If you ask her in advance, she often says “no” to offers to do something fun. Her emotional cues can be flat and hard to read.…

Read More

Power of Small

father getting son ready for wakeboarding

It’s January when new goals, resolutions, and good intentions are swirling around in our minds. One of my goals is to serve other people outside of my family. I don’t want to keep my focus so nearsighted that I forget other people and families have needs too. As a caregiver to two in my own…

Read More

One Day at a Time

present tag with red and white string placed on white background

Oh, 2022, where have you gone? It’s December, and I can feel the year fading fast. I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect and update. I have been on an unintended/unplanned sabbatical of sorts. I write on this site to encourage special needs parents and caregivers, yet this year I had to take…

Read More

Afraid? Go Anyway!

Lynnette Simm and Kim Cusimano

As a special needs family, we are blessed to have friends and extended family who come alongside us and have the courage to be ALL IN when it comes to walking through difficult times with us. About a year or so ago, our special needs daughter was going through a tough time. We were trying…

Read More

Words of Gratitude and Celebration!

Kim Cusimano Books Pic

Wow, Full Joy Ministries has already been up and running a few months now! Thank you to all those who have visited the new site. Let’s celebrate and recap together! March brought the launch of the new book, Staying Power, Building A Stronger Marriage When Life Sends Its Worst. Staying Power was written by Carol…

Read More

Encouraging Our Typical Children

Encouraging Our Typical Children

Trying to find the perfect words to say when our children are struggling with an issue can be a challenge. Rarely in the moment do we feel we said exactly the right thing. It seems all too often I come up with the best things to say after my child has left the room. This…

Read More

Have some fun!

Our special needs son, Nate, is a huge Elvis fan. How did he discover The King? I can’t exactly remember. A few years ago he stumbled on his music and then noticed all the other iconic Elvis characteristics such as his colorful clothing, fancy dance moves, and cool hair. He has been a fan ever…

Read More