Relationships
Phone a Friend
As a caregiver mama, I’ve noticed one thing that consistently adds joy to my days. Friendships. Maintaining friendships has been one of my best investments over the years. Four distinct kinds of friendships make the most beautiful bouquet when bundled together. First, the long-term friendships that have been well-seasoned over many years. Those where we…
Read MoreFlexibility, Expectations, and Travel
We went! We did the thing. We took our first cruise. Also, we included our special needs daughter, who has been on limited travel with us for the last few years. It started with a hopeful question, “Could we take her on a cruise?” Unlike other travel, we would not be closed in on an…
Read MoreCount Your Blessings
In a few weeks, we will say goodbye to 2023. Recently, I’ve been mindful that it has been a great year! As a special needs mom/family, if we’re not careful, the challenges and logistics can get highlighted more than the blessings. Not this year! Here are some of the things I’m thankful for in 2023……
Read MoreSaying Thank You
Saying Thank You Fifteen seconds, that’s about all the time we spent with Tim Tebow. However, that was long enough to say thank you. I’m sure he has heard it a thousand times, but I needed to say it one time, personally. Tim Tebow’s foundation sponsors the Night to Shine event for adults with differing…
Read MoreTend the Roses
As special needs parents, we care for people daily and have added responsibilities. We generally don’t want to add more chores around the house. But hear me out. I would submit we also tend to something else besides caring for our loved ones, something that grows and brings life to our homes in other ways.…
Read MoreHaving Fun Trying
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 MorePower of Small
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 MoreOne Day at a Time
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 MoreAfraid? Go Anyway!
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 MoreWords of Gratitude and Celebration!
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…
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