I’m a 28 year old woman, who has a strong faith in God. I’ve been married to Steve for 8 years!! We live on the shores of Georgian Bay, in Meaford, ON where Steve pastors two churches. Life has given us many ups and downs, but God has poured out His blessings on us all along the journey. We’ve been blessed with two biological children, who have been diagnosed with autism. As well as our three younger children are siblings who we have the priviledge of raising as our own.
I love to write about both my successes and failures, my faith and experiences. I’ve been known to get on a soapbox or two occasionally so look out for that too. I truly believe that our life holds something special. I hope to one day be a resource for other parents who are travelling down the same road of special needs, sharing our story which I pray gives some hope to others in the same boat.
The autism journey started for us when our oldest son Logan, was just 2 years old. Just 9 short months later our daughter Abby was diagnosed as well. It’s had it’s ups and downs. Our story isn’t one that would be popular, as we cannot offer miraculous stories of recovery, however there has been healing, within me. Autism gave birth to a new mother, a new woman.
Most people thought we were crazy when we took in our youngest son Justus and subsequently his sister Emma, and finally Faith. We felt very strongly in our hearts that God had bigger plans for our family. Right from the beginning of our marriage, Steve and I desired to open up our home to a sibling group who needed a safehaven. I am very thankful that we’ve been given this opportunity, it doesn’t look at all like I expected, but that’s the wonder of it all.
I hope you enjoy my writings and aren’t too bored with it all. Please feel free to comment, it’s always nice for us bloggers to know someone is reading.
Posted by Christine on May 4, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Wow, I don’t know if you really remember me, but we went to grade school together. My name was Christine Pidgeon at the time. (long story)
I have been reading some of the things about you on facebook and I’m amazed at to read how stong of a mother, wife and women you are.
I have no idea what I should be praying for in regards to your new daughter, but you definitely can count on me to pray for you and your very lovely family.
I wish I could take in a child that needed a safe home, like you have three times now. How did this ever come your way. Those children are very blessed to have found wonderful parents like you and your husband.
Christine
Posted by Mrs. Sheila Zhang-Smith on July 30, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Wow you two are amazing too offer your hearts and home to kids who need a second chance. Stay strong and don’t give up, if the world had more people like you and Steve we would all truly be better off. As well since reading this it also answered more of my questions so stay safe and keep up the great work.
Posted by Sara Ross on May 27, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I found you through your comment on Anne Jackson’s blog. You caught my interest because I have 2 sons with speech disorders. It is a constant challenge to communicate with them. Looking forward to reading your blog.