Which Way?

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

       Ralph Waldo Emerson

These words are so inspiring!  There are so many choices we make in life. Often we tend to take the path of least resistance, the paved path or follow the advice of others.  We forget to take time to really discern what might be best for ourselves and our families.


What IF we choose to spend time in prayerful discernment?

What IF we choose to discern what is best for our family despite the external pressures?

What IF we choose the unmarked path?

When a parent enters into the world of raising a child with special needs, they receive lots of advice - some desired, most not.  Parents are pressured by well-meaning folks who seem to have all the answers.  The Holy Spirit may be whispering the way through the maze and confusion but we can't hear because of all the noise and pressure.

Perhaps the right path for your family is within the system - early intervention, public schools and transition/work programs into adulthood.  A right path for many families.  God is a work within the system too.

Perhaps the right path for your family is working with your child outside the system and targeted intervention.  A path chartered by listening to what God wills for your family and a path designed by God.

Sound scary?

Perhaps, but that fear will fade to be replaced with the confidence engineered by the Holy Spirit.   You will come to understand you really are your child's best teacher. You will see your child learn and grow and his/her own pace. 

God has His own timing and so do our children with special needs.

When you walk in His will, you know peace...

...and your trail marked with blessings.

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Speaking of leaving a trail,  if you are interested in homeschooling your child with Down syndrome please look at my free e-book Homeschooling Children with Down Syndrome.  In this book I share much about how children with Down syndrome learn, methods, curriculum tips and more!

Wise Words

As I journey on this road less traveled, I often recall these wise words of a fellow traveler:

"As parents, we trust that the Lord will provide all that is needed for His (our) children to fulfill His mission for them while on earth."

We trust He will provide for our typically developing children and, perhaps more so, for our children with special needs.

These words bring immense comfort to me as I consider my daughter's present path and future.  I trust He will put all we need in our path so that Reagan's ministry on earth will be according to His will.

I have seen the Lord's work in me and my work in helping Reagan overcome obstacles in learning. He travels this path with me.  He places before me all that I need and more.  I trust He is at work in her and for her.

I know her heart.  It projects love.  Love for the Lord, love for her family and love for all she touches.

I am fascinated by her mind and how she thinks.  The questions she asks are thoughtful.  Her assessment of situations is often right on track.

Does she know everything that other 17 year-olds know?  Absolutely not.

Academic knowledge does not define her.

Reagan does know relationships better than any other person I know.  She gives and receives.  She is transparent and without inhibition in sharing herself.  She knows anger but harbors no grudges.  Her forgiveness of the transgressions of others is genuine and immediate.  She knows sadness which makes her highly sensitive to it in others.

Reagan's relationships define her.  Her relationships with God and humanity. I am saddened by those who have eyes that cannot see.  Eyes which do not value her and others with Down syndrome.

Somehow I doubt that St. Peter checks IQs at the gates of heaven.  God does not care about how smart we are.  He does care about how we love Him and each other.

So, let us learn from Reagan.  Learn how to love and forgive like she does.

Let us walk in love and forgiveness for a taste of heaven on earth and joy in the journey.