The hidden pitfalls in yours, mine, and ours. by Maxine Marsolini Many might say Charlie and I were adventurous that wintry weekend, twenty-four years ago. Others might believe the snowstorm we braved was a precursor to the stormy life we would discover. But we had a goal: We were eloping — and not even…
Author: nowwhat
A Trial of Family Faith
Divine power displayed in a father’s struggle. by Greg Lincoln as told to Sherri Langton “I have some concerns.” The ultrasound technician finally spoke, breaking a long silence while studying the picture of my wife’s womb. Two heads, four arms – twins eleven weeks old. But only two legs were visible, perhaps a third,…
A Tiny Heart after God’s Own
by Judy Bettendorf as told to Brooke Keith Ten fingers, ten toes. (My husband, Pete, knew; he counted five times.) Feathery soft fuzz atop her head. We’d never seen anything quite like her. Our daughter, born March 3, 2003, was beautiful — a perfect example of God‘s handiwork. Her name would be Lisa. That…
A Slow Surrender
Sometimes letting go doesn’t come easily or quickly. by Priscilla Tate Gilmore Last Saturday morning was my turn to call my adopted daughter for our mother-daughter bonding time. After the initial exchange of weekly events, Katie* announced, “I found and talked with my birth mom, and I was thinking we could meet sometime. What…
A Father’s Love
Only miles and bars separate a son from his father. by J. Grant Swank I just got home from visiting my son — in prison. My wife and I drove the l000 miles one way, hitting the road last Tuesday morning. It was one interstate after another — not the easiest jaunt in the…
Tonya’s Cup
Breaking through a young girl’s personal prison. by Penny Smith “C’mon, Tonya, just a few more bites,” I coaxed, trying to catch up to her mouth with the fork as she dodged from side to side. Eventually she reached out and guided the fork to her mouth while staring vacantly into space. At last…
Tonya’s Cup: What is Autism?
Definition: Infantile autism is a syndrome with symptoms of self-absorption and aloneness that appear in early childhood or are present from birth. The term autism was introduced by Leo Kanner in 1943 to describe a developmental condition in which children are unable to form meaningful relationships or to mature socially, despite excellent motor skills….
Nurturing a Blue Rose
“And a little child shall lead them.” by Tammy Vice as told to Linda Owen We were your ordinary family. My husband, Rudy, worked long, hard hours so we could take vacations. My daughter, Allison, enjoyed school and had a passion for horses. When I wasn’t being a mom, I was wrapped up in…
My Alzheimer’s Shadow: A Journey from Anger to Trust
by Patte Earley as told to Betty J. Johnson “I am so angry. I’m fifty-one years old and my husband, Bill, has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Where do I focus my anger?” I cried. “Are you mad at God?” Mary asked. “No, I’m not angry at God, because I don’t believe this…
How to Cope With Alzheimer’s-Resources
For caregiving tips, newsletter, and resources, write or call National Family Caregivers Association, 9621 East Bexhill Drive, Kensington, MD 20895-3104; 1-800-896-3650; http://www.nfcacares.org. Support services available at National Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, 919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611-1676; fax 312-335-1110; http://www.alz.org; 1-800-272-3900. Here are titles of helpful brochures: Just the Facts…