Raising a Son with a Disability
/The start of another school year is upon us! And for this homeschooling mama, that brings a mix of excitement, fear, and paralyzation. As a homeschooling mom, I know it is an honor to be able to stay at home & school our boys, but the day-to-day grind can be mind-boggling, to say the least. Throwing in all the special needs is enough to make me want to whimper, go running, or get to work - depending on the moment. I share all of these feelings to be honest & authentic, yet hopeful. Because there is SO much hope!
One of our sons has a diagnosis of high-functioning autism, auditory processing disorder, ADHD, and a learning disability all while undergoing healing from 6 concussions and post-concussive syndrome. He has walked through MANY types of therapies throughout the years, which made me want to have a personal secretary with all the planning of schedules. I am SO grateful for my Happy Planner!
Honestly, I am not sure how it all gets done. But what is clear to me is that God has given grace on a moment by moment basis. Christ, and Christ alone, has given our family MUCH kindness, mercy & strength to breathe when it seems unbearable. And, did I mention humor? I like to laugh, and that has helped walk through the intense moments of life!
Isaiah 40:11 says “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”
At times, the outbursts seem unending - from both of us. When I feel that I cannot possibly read one more paragraph, explain a math problem again, reason about an issue yet again, the Lord is kindly leading and guiding me. He GENTLY leads me. I can rest in this.
In verse 31 of the same chapter, Isaiah says “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Renew, mount up, run & not be weary, walk & not faint! This has been an accurate picture of my life. When I cannot bear the weight anymore, the Lord renews my soul, gives my physical body strength, and allows me to take the step for whatever is next.
Being still. This is incredibly difficult in our day & age. This has been LIFE-GIVING beyond measure. In the quiet is where I can pray, worship, process, and simply give my mind a rest. The mind needs a rest, just as much as our bodies.
Read God’s Word, PRAY & surround yourself with wise friends. All I can say is - these are all crucial, significant, & vital. These 3 have been a MAJOR part of how God has reminded me of hope through the challenging realities of life with our precious boy (and other boys, too!)
I thank the Lord for incredible therapists, counselors, doctors, physician assistants, and nurses. God has given us such gifts with the experienced, researched, and cutting-edge help of these talented people. Thank the Lord for friends who are extremely knowledgeable about homeopathic remedies & all-natural solutions. These remedies continue to bless us all, our son included!
In the midst of the difficult, there has been hope. There is SO much to be thankful for!
Oftentimes, I am reminded that God chose me to be the mama of this sweet boy. Through the incredible struggle, God knew. God chose. And God redeems. THIS is the hope of this mama of a special needs son. Faith is bigger than me, and I MUST have something greater because this mama cannot do it without the enabling of the Creator of the Universe.
Lord, thank you for choosing me to mother our son & giving me grace without measure!
To all the moms out there, by God’s grace, you’ve got this! Keep pressing on in the strength of the God of this Universe. There will (most likely) continue to be challenges, but God is faithful to give you strength to raise and love your child who is simply another image bearer just like you.
In His Grace ~ leigh anne
