How do you recover from a heartache that forever pricks your tender heart? I believe the key word "recover" is the secret to healing. It is not a single event, but a lifetime of learning to dive into the Living Water (more on this below). You will not only be able to travel through your day with less stress, you will also begin the healing of your soul.
I've traveled the rocky road of many heartaches. I'm convinced that they were the springboard to my salvation. Stress and heartache can decrease with a regular investment of your time.
My husband and I are still learning how to run in the journey of special needs. In the beginning, Russ and I crawled from one diagnosis to another. By leaning more on God and connecting with other parents of special needs kids, our load became lighter each year. We joined support groups, attended seminars, enjoyed weekend conferences, read miles of books - all in hopes of understanding the various diagnoses and therapies. All good ideas!
Our boys will be 31 and 30 this year. We have earned a unique perspective not afforded to younger parents. Now, we laugh more and fight less. We've learned to relax, even amidst public embarrassment or the craziness of the boys' chaos. We've learned to enjoy our sons more and we see joy more often. In leaning on the Lord, we discovered that Jesus is truly our best friend!
Our special needs world is so unique that parents of typical children stare at us in bewilderment. We're truly living in a different world from the typical families. When I relay our experiences, we know we're giving them great comedic material or devastating every-day experiences. They tell us that we inspire them with our rosebush lives; prickers intertwined with lovely roses.
Friends, we are the fortunate few living a deeper, richer life. We have a deep joy that is hard to explain. The disciple, James, explains it well. "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2-3) When you are experiencing the hardship, there isn't joy. Eventually, you'll be more patient, and that produces peace and joy!
Remember, you are not alone! When you are feeling ready to explode, step away and calm down (pray, read the Bible, put on relaxing music, go for a short walk). After all is well again, connect with your friends. There are excellent support groups on Facebook. Here are a few, "Autism Support Group for Families" - "Breathe" - "Special Needs Community" and more. These groups are made up of incredible, loving parents with special needs kids and adults that often offer great advice. For info on laws, IEP's and more: www.wrightslaw.com is great!
The photo above is our son, Sean, right after a second brain surgery from a brain tumor. He was given a 2% chance to live. I love this photo, because Sean was in the midst of healing from a traumatic surgery and was enduring a week of very high doses of chemo. When I look at his smile, I remember that pain eventually produces joy. We have a choice. We can travel this incredibly difficult life with a depressing attitude, or learn the secret of contentment. In the Bible, Paul said, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11,13)
God bless you and I pray you will learn to experience more peace and joy as your heart heals!