Parenting kids with FASD's often puts moms and dads onto an emotional roller coaster with no end in site and some sort of crazy unseen program running the controls. Life can be exhausting, overwhelming, terrifying and just plain hard - it can be intense enough to break the strongest parenting plan and melt the most type A person into a sobbing emotional puddle in the corner. We can also drift through smooth seasons which renew us and moments of intense clarity where we find an overwhelming gratitude for the goodness of God in designing our families exactly the way they are.
Last night the Sisters (Barb, Julie and I) took our coffee night on the road to Mankato and delivered the Advent basket we (with the help of others) had prepared for Kari - another Sister in the FASD parenting journey. Kari was totally blind sided (in a good way) when her quickie date with Barb became an all-out theraputic parenting foursome at her local coffee shop. Our particular journey is often lonely and I have learned that driving an hour and a half is nothing when there are hugs to be shared around and conversation with those who understand our realities waiting (knowingly or not) at the other end.
10 comments:
I'm a sister! Woo-hoo!
Thank you so much! Your timing was perfect and your kindness warmed my heart. ♥
Wow!!! I am so blessed just reading about the advent basket and how much it blessed Kari! I can't imagine how she feels or you feel :)))
What a wonderful gift of love and encouragement.
I am a foster parent to several kids with FASD, so although it is not as difficult as parenting them full-time, lifelong I too find it challenging day in and day out.
Thanks for shining your light and sharing it with the blog world. You have encouraged me also.
Sherri-Ann
Of all the people to bless, I'm so glad that you chose Kari! I really miss her blog, but I'm sure there are good reasons for taking it off public viewing. So Kari, I want you to know that I've been praying for you and hope that this Christmas will be one of the best!
The delivery surprise made me grin :). I think that was the thirty-second gift! --Carrie
Love the title! I would (and often do) drive a long way for a hug. Friendships are irreplaceable treasures that I do not take for granted.
Tomorrow, I will be driving 2 hours each way to have lunch with a friend. She has walked the journey I have been on this year. She understands. She will give encouragement and hugs.
On Thursday, I will drive 1 1/2 hours each way to have lunch with a young lady who needs a hug ... who needs an understanding arm around her shoulders.
I will be BLESSED on Tuesday, and I will be able to BLESS someone else on Thursday. Both days will be a blessing for each of us.
Yes. I will drive to receive a hug ... or to give a hug. Hugs are definitely a priority in my life.
Also ... your first paragraph applies to parents of children with a variety of letters by their names. My daughter does not have FASD ... but RAD can put this Mama in the same place.
Hope your week is BLESSED!
Laurel
Totally worth the drive!!!
Thank you for posting the delivery! : )
Uplifting! Great way to start the week, Dot. :)
Such a wonderful gesture of friendship. Thank you for sharing your blessing!
We don't deal with FASD (that we know of) but RAD has rocked our world! Whoa, didn't see that one coming and sure glad we figured it our real quick and adjusted our parenting to compensate....but it is a LONELY road. Family doesn't understand and while they do try to be supportive they just don't "get it". Life is much nicer when surrounded by folks that just "get it"...but until I actually meet some folks that walk this path I'll have to live with online engagement.
Just wanted you to know I used a short quote from this post (w/ links) for a post I just wrote. Thanks for always keeping it real with your readers.
Laurel
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