These Light and Momentary Afflictions

Being a parent of a special needs child comes with challenges that a large segment of society will never have to deal with or understand. I can’t tell you how many times my husband and I have heard, “I don’t know how you do it.” To be honest, some days we don’t either. When we get to the end of the day, and everyone is alive and has eaten, we count it as a win! On those days, we are keenly aware that it’s our faith that carries us through. Knowing this is for a purpose we don’t completely understand motivates us to get out of bed some mornings.

One of the lesser recognized challenges of having a special needs child is the need for flexible work hours, often with little to no notice. Working with Luke 14 Exchange has been a blessing. After all, they understand because they, too, live it. Not long after starting, Oliver had a seizure in school. I had to call Jerry to tell him I was on the way to the ER and couldn’t come to work. This wasn't something new for me, but it was one of the first times since starting work at Luke 14 Exchange. I felt horrible calling out. I instantly said I’d work from the ER. Jerry told me it was unnecessary and to focus on my son right now.

To my surprise, a short time later, Joan came to the hospital and sat with me and prayed over Oliver. It meant the world to me. Even though our journeys with family with disabilities are in different stages, I felt she understood what I was going through. This was the moment that I knew Luke 14 Exchange was where I wanted to be.

Since beginning to work with Luke 14 Exchange, I have gained an invaluable perspective. I’ve seen what it may be like for my son as he gets older. I now know there are people active in our community, quietly and selflessly working to ensure everyone is being taken care of. Knowing we don’t have to face his future alone has taken weight off our shoulders.

We know that there is a place at God’s banquet table for Oliver, as taught in Luke 14. It is the goal of each of us on staff to care for every family we serve and invite them to God’s table. I don’t always feel like the obstacles we face are light and momentary afflictions (2 Corinthians 4:17). But I know the hope of sitting and feasting at God’s eternal banquet table, with my son, and so many others, will be worth it all.