Life as a Leach

I was drying Abby's hair tonight and she was smiling and giggling over something.  I told her I loved her smile and she commented that she didn't like her smile because it looked weird.  This isn't the first time she has said it, so I decided to have a more in depth talk with her instead of brushing it off with, "I love your smile!" like I had in the past. I turned the dryer off and stooped down in front of her.  I shared with her a verse that has become one of my favorites since she was born: We talked about what that verse meant and I reminded her that God created her cute little nose, her adorable smile, and her deep brown eyes. Then I said, "You know how your ribs are in pieces and Dr. Campbell had to fix them with the VEPTR?"   She nodded.   "God created those ribs to be just like that too.  It's hard for us to understand that, but He did, and they are perfect.   They may not seem that way, but they are.  Do you know wh...

I have opened up a new blog post with the intent to write several times over the last few days.  After I stare at a blank screen for a while, I shut it again without writing anything. There are no words. On Friday, December 14th, my little world changed.  I used to think December 14th was a fabulous day because it was my birthday.  Now, and forever more, I will shed tears on that day in remembrance of those 20 sweet little faces and the 6 teachers who died trying to protect them. I pray that the last thoughts of those 20 beautiful children were of the love of their families. It seemed like an eternity until Caleb's bus came that afternoon, but when it did I grabbed him and burst into tears.  I savored every minute with both of my kids this weekend, knowing that parents in Connecticut would give anything to be able to play with theirs again. What has this tragedy taught me?  To love deeper, to always, always hug my kids goodbye, not to be stin...

I've hesitated to post this, because it was an intensely personal and sensitive conversation.  But I hope that by sharing this, people will recognize that siblings need love and reassurance too.  Sometimes, the special needs child needs  so much attention that the brothers and sisters get pushed to the side. The other night when I was putting Abby to bed, Caleb brought in his Minnie Mouse to give to Abby.  (No, I have no idea why he has a Minnie  Mouse.  I'm pretty sure he got it out of my treasure box at school a few years ago, but for whatever reason, he loves it!)  This was very generous because he has been reluctant to let Abby play with it before...which, of course, meant that she wanted it even more and would often sneak into his room to snatch it! So I was surprised when he told me that she could have it.  When I asked how long, he told me that Abby could have it until she died. Not wanting to make a big deal of what he said, I joked ...