My latest literary project has been one of about 13 years in the making. Oddly enough, I didn’t write it for me. I wrote it for the millions out there whose lives are similar to mine. For those who do not know, my gorgeous daughter Kaiya was born with an incurable neurological disorder called Rett Syndrome. Though, she has a smile that can turn the darkest moment to one of deep joy, she does not have the ability to care for herself in any way and requires around the clock care. The response I usually get when I tell people this is, “Oh! I’m so sorry!”, to which I reply, “Don’t be!” That response comes from a place of love, peace and gratefulness for the life I GET to live as Kaiya’s mother.

Please know, that I did not arrive at that harmonious place overnight. It was a lengthy and elaborate process. I have been angry. I have been depressed. I have been afraid. I have repeatedly asked the question I believe most parents in my shoes ask, “Why God. did this have to happen?” Through a series of events and epiphanies, God began to reveal some very basic Biblical truths that handed me a whole new perspective for my life. A few years ago, it dawned on me that the attitude and insight that I had gained regarding “This Special Life” contrasted greatly from many others in my shoes. Down to the very words I may utter about Rett Syndrome are no longer colored with hate and disgust. I feel as though I have been given a brand new pair of glasses to look at my life with our special needs child! Instead of pain, I feel joy. Instead of confusion, there is clarity. Most of all, I feel that I am better able to care for Kaiya because I have become increasingly more stable mentally, emotionally, and physically. This newfound strength is solely based on three Biblical truths shared in “This Special Life: Living with Special Needs & LOVING it.”

While this book was specifically written from my heightened perspective of being a special needs mom, these foundational truths are applicable for everyone. After all, the Bible is for all of us, right? No matter what you face, in God’s Word you may find hope, guidance, and correction to utilize throughout your life. Without it and a tangible relationship with Jesus Christ, I’m sure my story would be very different and not nearly as pleasant.

So last Fall, God gave me a very stern talking to and told me it was time to “RELEASE” this message I’ve been holding on to for the last few years. I knew that I’d been sitting on this knowledge long enough and immediately started writing. My prayer is that it will help not only special needs mamas, but everyone who is facing challenges and trials in life. I know you have something you have had to face in this life that is just plain tough; I mean…”This makes no sense at all, God” tough.

Whoever you are, God has a plan for you. You are unique to a very specific calling and in order to find it, you may need a brand new pair of glasses to see it. Your life is beautiful. Even in times of difficulty, there is beauty and grace. Hold your head high knowing that you are not alone and that if you let Him, God desires to carry you through every situation you may experience!

Special Book Cover Front.jpg — a favor...

I would love for you to help me share this new book God has inspired me to write! Would you personally share this blog with anyone you feel would like to know more about it? By clicking the book cover pic, you will be taken to the description page for “This Special Life” and a pre-order form to be notified when it becomes available can also be found. This Special Life will launch this coming September and available for pre-order in August!

I am humbled that God would use me in this way and feel so grateful for every single lesson I have learned through the life of our beautiful angel, Kaiya. I tell people frequently, if it were not for her, we would not have been able to come to know God to the degree we know Him now. We know first hand about His grace that enables us to embrace this life fully. We know first hand about His peace that passes all understanding. We know first hand how faithful He is to His Word and His promises. We cannot imagine our lives without everything God has generously administered to us through Kaiya’s life. This special life we live is a blessed life. Prayerfully, you will come to the same realization about your unique life!