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Sparkling Hope Blog
Inspiration, Guidance, and Support for a Brighter Tomorrow
At Sparkling Hope Blogs, we believe in the power of knowledge, encouragement, and community. Our blog is dedicated to providing insightful articles, helpful resources, and uplifting stories to support your journey toward healing, growth, and well-being. Whether you're seeking practical advice, personal inspiration, or expert guidance, our goal is to empower you with hope and resilience every step of the way.



"The Song of My Hope" Almost Didn't Happen!
One day, years ago, God whispered an impossible idea to me, "Write a book about your faith journey." I practically yelled back, "Are you...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Jun 21, 20192 min read


Social Anxiety
I have a love-hate relationship with social settings. Growing up painfully shy sprouted many uncomfortable social experiences. Yet having...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
May 24, 20192 min read


Depression and Light Therapy
I'll readily admit it. I am spoiled. I'm a California gal who loves the sunlight. I complain if it rains for more than two weeks. When I...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
May 10, 20192 min read


Living Without Hope
Sometimes it's our children and teens. Sometimes it's us. We see it in our friends and neighbors. It seems to be infiltrating our whole...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
May 3, 20193 min read


Has Your Child Been Bullied?
Mine has. It was devastating. I felt so helpless when it happened the first time. My emotions ranged from outraged to depressed. Of...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Mar 15, 20193 min read


Meltdown or Temper Tantrum?
In my ignorance as a mom with a young special needs son, I made many mistakes when it came to discipline. When he would cry, scream or...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Mar 8, 20193 min read


Hoarding in Children
Without fail, every few months I would need to go into my younger son's room armed with a couple of trash bags. I always practiced this...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Oct 19, 20182 min read


The Magical Medicine of Music
Music and its many benefits have been woven into the fabric of my life. Sunday morning memories of my mom's sweet humming as she prepared...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Sep 28, 20183 min read


The Connection of Trauma and Addiction
I've recently learned that there is a connection between trauma and addiction. The trauma can be from childhood or from anytime...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Aug 11, 20182 min read


Disabled Parenting: How to Thrive!
Raising a child is no easy task for anyone, but when a parent has a disability, it can be all the more challenging. If you're...
By Guest Blogger, Martin Block
Aug 3, 20183 min read


Hope for the Lonely
For years I wondered if Sean would ever obtain enough social skills to be a happy, healthy adult. A big heartache for parents with...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Jul 28, 20182 min read


The Many Faces of Anxiety
My stomach felt tight, my throat was dry, and my breathing was shallow. With sweaty hands and a pounding heart, I was getting ready to...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Jun 8, 20183 min read


Living with Bi-Polar Disorder
Although Sean was only 10 years old, I was out of options, so I called for police assistance. I'm convinced that the police think we are...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
May 4, 20183 min read


Lost and Found
Debbie lined up her two girls and asked once again, "Have you seen it anywhere?" Her mounting frustration wasn't helping solve the...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Apr 27, 20181 min read


Acquired Brain Injury
I contemplated displaying an image of the MRI scan from Sean's brain tumor. But the starkness still haunts me. Its ugly, irregular shape...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Apr 20, 20182 min read


The Game of Being Diagnosed
Although our son, Sean, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor at eight months old, his main diagnosis from various psychiatrists...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Apr 14, 20183 min read


Helping the Behaviorally Challenged Child
A book I read a few years ago titled, "The Explosive Child" by Dr. Ross Greene, changed my whole perspective on why my sons had...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Mar 16, 20182 min read


Medication and Madness
My heart was racing as I pulled into the parking spot at my son's special need's school. He was in the fourth grade and had been placed...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Mar 9, 20184 min read


Making Crooked Paths Straight
I looked in horror into my rear view mirror as a semi tractor-trailer truck was speeding toward me. It was 10:00 pm and I was driving...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Mar 2, 20183 min read


Could it be Dyslexia?
Before my son was diagnosed with Dyslexia, we had years of tears when it came to classwork and homework. Often, before children get...
Betsy Kay Ridgway, M.S.
Feb 17, 20182 min read
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