The moment her eyes met mine she enveloped my soul. I instantly had a deep love for her. As her story unfolded, and we realized she had Down Syndrome, my mama heart swirled. Her bold red hair…. a gift. Her beautiful blue, almond shaped eyes…. mesmerizing. I knew we...
I recently had an idea to ask some friends a question. The question was: “If you were talking to me and Elizabeth, as the parents of special needs children, what question would you want to ask?” The first question that came up was: “What positive impacts do you see...
Mamas, there is nothing that squeezes my heart more than thinking about you all on Mother’s Day. It brings joy to my heart and tears to my eyes thinking about all the love and constant encouragement you pour out on your diverse need’s kiddos. Not just this one day,...
I have spent way too much time over the past 5 years trying to figure out how to not have chaos in our home. It is an ongoing cycle that usually ends with me feeling defeated and the kids feeling frustrated. It doesn’t make sense to have 7 people, 5 of whom are...
Fixing cars and assembling things is something I am very good at. Writing about me and sharing struggles and wins in my life…. not so much! I am a husband to one amazing woman as well as a father to five amazing kids. Three of these kiddos have diverse needs, and...
It took me years of aggravation and frustration to figure out that our family has a noise. Of course, this sounds crazy, but it’s true. Your family has a noise too. Years ago, we attended a private Christian school that had a program of inclusivity. Our family was...
When Shelby was about 3 years old, I took the girls to an indoor play place. It was new, and we were excited to explore. We checked in, put our shoes in a cubby and off we went. Within minutes, the cutest blonde hair, blue eyed 5 year old ran up to us. After...
I remember the scene well. I had just gotten off work and met Elizabeth and the kids at church. We usually attend the Saturday evening service. I messaged her to meet me in service, and gave her the location. Worship began and there was still no sign of her. In about...
You were born on a Monday. You came a wee bit early, but that has never surprised me. You were so ready to see this world, and to share your love. The doc told me to push, and push I did. Joy consumed my being as I grunted through my last huge breath. Then. My. World....
It was a surprisingly sunny day in March 2011 when our sweet redhead Shelby entered our lives. As I look back now, the beautiful day doesn’t surprise me. Beauty tends to follow Shelby. It was nine days before my due date and sometime after midnight I started to feel...
Hi there! We are the crazy cool parents to 5 amazing and crazy cool kiddos. But, first, we are Dan and Elizabeth Thorndike – married 15 years and living this life one moment at a time. We have a full and blessed life, but we are clumsily tackling a journey we never foresaw ourselves living.
Only helpful tips, words of advice and stories to inspire.
