The invitation arrived in January. “I hope you can come,” she said. “I would love for our families to meet.” She found me a few years back through Facebook, approaching with respect and grace. We reached out tentatively at first, then forged a sisterhood nurtured by a gradual opening of hearts around the shared love … Continue reading When Adoption Comes Full Circle
Blogs
The Mystery of Joy
I held a grieving friend in my arms this week, absorbed the weight of her story and, together under a cold rain, we prayed for joy. Not the surface kind of happiness that comes from relief of weighty circumstances, but the kind of joy that anchors a soul to what is true even in the … Continue reading The Mystery of Joy
Ready to Party
Ben has decided that he wants to die. This son of mine, who lives with a trust I aspire to....he believes in heaven, and can't wait to get there. Why do I find this disturbing? I've watched friends hold onto life with a white-knuckled grip, desperate for healing to come here on earth, grasping for … Continue reading Ready to Party
Blessing
I leaned forward on the hard pew that first time in church, skinny legs swinging as I watched the fatherly pastor place his hands on the heads of the people before him. "The Lord bless you, and keep you," he intoned. "The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The … Continue reading Blessing
Listening for Ice Cream
My son Ben has significant intellectual disabilities. As a result, he has a very small vocabulary consisting of only nouns and verbs. If I say, "Do you want ice cream?" He'll respond with enthusiasm. And if I say, "Do you never want ice cream again?" I'll get the same response. He hears "ice cream", and … Continue reading Listening for Ice Cream
Flight
A Great Blue Heron has been perching at the end of our dock lately, so I decided to try to get close enough for a picture. He kept a wary eye on me as I crept closer, finally taking off with his long wings as Ben came clumping down to join me in his dad's big … Continue reading Flight
Conquering the Frog
We took a little getaway recently, just me, my husband and our 28 year old son who has intellectual disabilities. We had planned some fun activities, but from the moment Ben spotted the kiddie pool, it was all he could think about. “Wog” he said, making the sign for “frog” under his chin, “Me!” And … Continue reading Conquering the Frog
Masks
Most of the world is under a mask mandate right now. Some view it as a commonsense way to help slow the spread of Covid. Some wear a mask as a sign of respect and kindness towards others. Some wear a mask in obedience to their government. Some view mask wearing as capitulation to illegitimate … Continue reading Masks
If Not For Ben
If not for Ben... I might have continued my education. If not for Ben, I might have become a missionary, a counselor or a linguist. If not for Ben, I might have had opportunities to lead, to influence, or perhaps just to enjoy an easier life. In many ways, Ben has determined the course of … Continue reading If Not For Ben
It is Enough
I set out on my walk through the cool Minnesota morning with good intentions. No podcast or music this morning - just communion with my Creator. I had good plans to pray for the people in my mind and heart as I strode past dew-laden ferns, past the mailbox, onward through the morning's coolness. As … Continue reading It is Enough
A View of the Lake 