I am dreading........................

[mizzdy]

Does she like to be read to? I understand attention spans but maybe you could incorporate your learning into time with her also. If cooking is only demonstative but shes attentive maybe teaching bible stories could be worked in somehow? I like the idea of walks but can understand there may be so much more than just walking out of the house with her in her wheelchair.

And don't feel bad at all!!! I would literally get so anxious when school got out, anxiety attacks and such things, and not knowing what I would do with my son who had some serious behaviorial problems and the after school program where I worked wouldn't accept my son because of his problems. Its hard, its really tough but in the end we smile, accept and go on doing and living. I pray that God sends you His shalom and lots of ideas to keep the both of you busy and doing what you love to do most.

shalom,

Mizz

[Shiloh62]

Wow, the Lord really has put you to work! Praying!

[oldzimm]

Yes since school is out, you will have less time for reading God's word. On the other hand, now you are doing one of the things God's word teaches us and that is unconditional love. You have a tough row to hoe sister and I'm praying for you.

[ears]

Bless your heart methinkshe, anyone in your shoes would have some apprehension. The Lord knows your true heart for your daughter. I believe he gave you that love for your daughter so he knows it even better than you. I'll be praying for you, praying that your heart will be rejoicing soon. Praying that this will be your best holidays yet..

I'm not a good singer though I love to. My grandbabies are the only people in the world that like to hear me sing those old hymns so I really belt them out when it's just us . I sing and dance all over the kitchen. My granddaughter who is 3 joins in and my grandson 9 mos laughs and scoots around....Some days I wish I didn't have to babysit but other days I have a wonderful time..LOL

[ayin jade]

A couple of things come to mind. You can get a year membership at the zoo or aquarium. That way even if she will only go for a few minutes, you can take her there several times and it pays for itself, without the guilt of only going for a few minutes at a time. You could also just take her to a pet store which has fish for sale and look at them that way. (We did it over the weekend out of boredom and this heat lol.) There is also another activity I know of, for abilities of all kinds, that families do and bond over. Geocaching. There are many handicapped folks who do this. Kids seem to love it too. Picnics. Parks. You know, you would be surprised at how cool parks are these days. Take time to sit down for a few moments and just feed the birds. I think you will find that you look forward to the outings too. Hope this helps.

[glennagail]

............the school holidays which start today in approx 45 minutes - yes, I'm actually counting down the minutes. I only have one child at home who still attends school and she is profoundly mentally and physically disabled and consequently very demanding of my time and attention.

I've been trying to justify this dread by convincing myself that it will mean less time for Bible study and getting to know the Lord, but I know this is just an excuse. How can getting to know ABOUT the Lord ever replace knowing Him in action in and through me? Especially towards my daughter. It's such a lame excuse.

I know I need to change so that I will delight in the opportunity that school holidays present. I just can't see a way forward at the moment.

If an opportunity presents to go to the beach, for instance, I have to withdraw because of wheelchair inaccessibility. So many things are inaccessible to us either because of her physical disability or her mental disability. I cannot afford to spend huge amounts of money on, say, paying to visit an aquarium when, after 5 miniutes, she has totally lost focus and thus interest. And I have had to pay not only for her short interest but also to accompany her! It's a very expensive 5 minutes of interest, to be honest.

So we tend to be stuck at home trying to do artwork that she cannot really do, or cooking that is more a demonstration on my part than active involvement on hers, and so on and so forth.

I am just not equipped....Lord help me!

I don't know if this helps but all the parents of my students ( I work in a special ed class) feel the same way about our three week break that will start next week It's ok to but her in front of Veggie tales. Have you thought of getting together with some of her classmates I am sure the other parents in her class feel the same way as you do. They could use a break from being all alone with thier child. Also don't be afriad to ask her teachers for ideas . We teachers know about lots of free stuff. Many zoo's, aquariums and the like have free days ( like the first wed of the month between 10-2) just some ideas but don't beat yourself up. In fact all parents at times dread the summer break.

[methinkshe]

Thank you, dear brothers and sisters, for your support and encouragement and ideas.

I know that His grace is sufficient and that dread is just another word for fear - the opposite of faith - and anything that is not of faith is sin.

I am trying to take the hols one day at a time and not look further forward than the next day. "Sufficient unto the day are the worries thereof....your heavenly Father knows what you need....."

I'm also looking for new ways to delight in her; in spite of her disabilities and extensive needs, she is a great joy and blessing. Just the other day our Pastor visited and told me how much of a blessing she is to the church. Because her needs are so apparent, and because she is always so full of smiles and joyfulness, and innocent, childlike love for everyone (hugs all round if she gets a chance) when she attends church, she helps others to stop focusing on their own difficulties.

The Lord has trusted me with one of His little ones that will remain little ones, and I should recognise the privilege, not count the cost.

I have been singing the chorus, "Jesus, you are changing me, by your Spirit you're making me like You; Jesus you're transforming me that your loveliness may be seen in all I do. You are the potter and I am the clay, help me to be willing to let you have your way,; Jesus you are changing me as I let you reign supreme within my heart. " Singing choruses like this helps me to keep such truths at the forefront of my mind.

Thank you again, brothers and sisters in Jesus.

[LCE635]

I would like for you to stop feeling guilty about it. Most of us mother are overwhelmed at time, even if they are healthy. The important thing is that despite of it we try our best to be a good mother and meet their needs. I do not hide the fact that if I had a chance again I would not choose motherhood. I do love my children and would give my life to them, but they maybe a piece of work. Relax, try your best, pray and let it go.

Edited July 28, 2011 by LCE635

[Leonard]

Your sacrifice to care for one who is truly "the least of these" is a truly sweet fragrance to the Lord. The harder it is, the sweeter the savor unto our Divine King.

It MATTERS!!!!

[oak]

I read your message and want to commend you for your honesty. I’ll pray. Also, realize in this day an age an hour on the computer searching for ideas and resources can bring you a lot of information. As soon as I read your story, I went to the internet and found quite a few interesting things. And all I did was type ‘wheelchair vacations’. From renting some rubber made tires for wheelchairs for accessibility to the beach to organizations like Disney, I found a lot of services that can make things happen. Now I don’t know your particular situation in terms of coverage and severity but I can let you know there are even people who can perhaps visit your house that are specialists in your area. You’re not the first one with this problem and there are opportunities and charities out there.

The Lord gives us ideas, as well as strength and courage. Be creative. Maybe even call her school and find out what they suggest because they are probably prepared to answer you. I’ll even be glad to do the research for you if you are too nervous for that. Just PM me, and I’ll need general information such as the area you live in and the particulars of your child’s disease. Your friends who know you can probably come up with good ideas. Use your time creatively and you will find God supplying you with alternatives from everywhere. Get the search engines of your mind and your family focused on a goal. Your husband could certainly come up with ideas etc.

Best of the best,

Oak