Special Announcement :: Two Are Better Than One

It's always an exciting time in any pregnancy, that 20 week ultrasound to put a worried mother's mind at ease. Pretty much all parents look forward a chance to visibly see that tiny heart beat, to get the classic profile shot, and find out the gender of your growing little one. 

I remember it like it was yesterday - our doctor saying "I don't know exactly what that is" when the large white spots were noticed on Zachary's eyes on the ultrasound. It was from that day on things felt different. Unclear on what was happening, we kept the news to ourselves, only sharing the concern with a select few. 

That was the beginning of a strange loneliness that can be felt by parents with children who have special needs or medical issues. Even though you can be wrapped in love and concern from friends and family, (whom I'm SO grateful for and desperately need) there's something amazing that helps fill the strange loneliness when you're able to find someone who understands and has been in similar situations before. 

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)

When you find your "people" who get it and can share their experiences with you, there's an instant bond and a feeling of hope.

I have found my "people" and I'm so grateful. 

After we had a name for Zachary's syndrome I quickly found an amazing group of mothers in a Facebook group who also each had a child with the same rare Lowe Syndrome. Although we haven't met face to face I feel like I have so many friends. Friends and mothers who understand our medical questions that include big hard to understand words, moms who are going to the same piles of doctor appointments we face, and fellow parents who I can ask a question to day or night. 

I believe this is the beautiful side of social media. I'm so grateful to live in the day and age we live in and have the ability to make these connections. 

To my Lowe Syndrome mamas - I couldn't do this without you!

Another connection I have made that has been a massive blessing was a friend I truly say was at a God-ordained appointment about 3 years ago. I had won a ticket to a blogging conference and before I knew it was hopping a plane. I traveled alone to a conference where I knew no one, and was a bit unsure why God wanted me to attend. When my introverted self took a break from all the chatter in a quiet room across the hall, I sat down next to Melissa. We introduced ourselves, chatted, made a connection, but that was it. 

Little did I know three years later I would have turned to Melissa with questions more time than I can count. Melissa is like a walking medical encyclopedia - has walked through many things we have, and has a passion for blogging like I do. We've been a perfect fit even though she lives on the other side of the country.

I'm super excited to share that Melissa and I have a fun announcement! 

Melissa and I are launching a series we are calling Special Needs Life Hacks. Many times I have said "I wish I would've known that earlier." Trust me - I don't have all the answers. And on some topics Melissa and I may have completely different approaches. But we'll be sharing what we've each learned along the way as we have navigated doctor appointments, therapy sessions, feeding tubes, and even caring for the rest of our family amidst the crazy! 

What to expect...

Bi-weekly posts from Melissa and I at each of our websites covering the same topic. The Thursday following our post going out, we will have a webinar with both of us for you to join in on. You will be able to ask questions, hear our stories, experiences, and things we've learned along the way. Don't worry - the webinar will be saved so you can watch it later! 

We pray our posts and webinars/videos become a great resource for those starting their new journey with a special needs or medically fragile child. We may not have all the answers, but we can share what's worked or hasn't worked for us!

Whether it's a text to my dear friend Kim who has a special needs daughter, a quick Facebook post to a fellow Lowe Syndrome mom, or a voxer message to Melissa - I don't feel alone. 

Find your "people" to walk this journey with you!

I hope you'll join us next Tuesday for our very first week Special Needs Life Hack! You can find Melissa blogging at Blessed Simplicity. Go follow her right now!

TO REGISTER for our first webinar February 9 head HERE or click the image below.