Benny Is My Alarm Clock. This morning, before the crack of dawn, in advance of any smiling abilities on my part, our Benny was up. I mean, whoever heard of not being in the tub at 5:30 a.m. splashing in the bath water his daddy cheerfully (true story, cheerfully) fixed for him. I noticed that Benny seemed extra boisterous, as a glob of water landed squarely on my nice warm fuzzy socks. My fuzzy socks were not yet awake and did not appreciate being so rudely awakened. I grabbed a bottle of Young Living Lavender Oil and landed a few...
This morning I was tempted to throw in the towel. I mean for real. I just wanted to give up on life. Was it because of a fresh snowfall when instead I desired spring weather? No, no, no. The snow is pristine. Did Benny give me a hard time? No, he was actually amazingly good this morning! Benny didn’t even get upset when the girls all left for work. Thanks to chamomile tea via the feeding tube, and calming oils from Young Living. (Frankincense, Lavender & Stress Away.) Maybe the great and terrible Influenza A came to perch on my...
Benny loves his daddy. Daddy is the place where rainbows appear. It is where the sun rises and sets in vibrant colors of pure joy. Beside Daddy is where laughter abounds, where all things are warm and fuzzy, and where Benny’s little heart is completely fulfilled. So when Daddy leaves his side and goes up to preach, guess what? “Benny no likey!” This is Benny’s cue to try everything under the sun to get himself up there beside Daddy. So yesterday at church, not only did Daddy get up to preach, but the person sitting in front of us got...
The Dream of Lizbet What in the world is a “Lizbet”? Lizbet is not an it. Lizbet is a name! In Pennslyvania Dutch, this is a nickname for Elizabeth. It so happens that this certain Lizbet is my mother-in-law, and also that she is an amazing cook. My mother-in-law has had this dream for as long as I have known her. To publish her very own cookbook. After all, if one is the best Amish cook in the country, one should probably have their own cookbook! In April of 2007, she hailed her 6 daughters, all of whom cook just...
I am beyond excited to announce “For the Love of Benny” is ready for purchase! Click here to head on over to my shop to purchase the story of the incredible journey of our Benny Boy! Please note that I will begin shipping out on Friday, November 3, 2017, so if you buy it now, it will ship Friday.
I am so beyond excited to announce this book about my amazing son, Benny! He beats everything I know about loving another person and then being loved in return by his pure, unselfish unconditional love. Have you ever observed a special needs family and wondered how they ever survive? Have you thought that you could never do what they do? How about sitting in front of a medical team, hearing the words, “Your baby is not okay?” I used to wonder all the above. I thought about how awful their life must be, and how thankful I was that...
Happy Anniversary Paul & Laurie First off, the picture above melts me into a puddle every single time I see it. How special to get a good picture like this! On October 8, 2016, Benny got a new brother. It was the day our daughter, Laurie, married a fine young man named Paul, and together they rode off into the sunset. It was a day that passed so quickly that I barely remember it! Thankfully we have pictures. Paul & Laurie All my beautiful daughters Aren’t they gorgeous? Because of Benny, my girls all grew up at a young age....
How do you know what Benny Boy wants/needs? People often notice us communicating with Benny, and fetching something for him, or nodding our head yes or no, yet he didn’t speak a word. “How do you know what he wants?” I’m often left a little blank, and I stop and think, how DO I know what he needs? He tells me so many things right in front of people that it’s sometimes downright hilarious! First off, we have taught him a little sign language. We teach him a sign the correct way. He shivers and shakes in anticipation when he sees...
I am Benny. I am Benny.I am 13 years old. I am blessed. These my shoes. These are my cute converse shoes. (So say my Mom and sisters.) I never ever walk in them, but I dance all the time, in my heart. They never physically walk me into trouble, but I somehow get in trouble. A lot. Mostly by dumping things. I never get to run in them. But you should see the wind in my sails when I get turned loose in my chair! These shoes will never take me onstage as a famous musician, but I’m right...
Angel Eye Benny He’s my Bubby. He has angel eyes that sparkle and shine. When his verbal skills to form actual words are not a part of his life, his eyes tell me many stories. He says exactly one entire word verbally. It’s MOM! It makes me feel all kinds of warm and fuzzy. Every morning when his amazing daddy gives him a bath, he asks right away, “Mom?” This kid melts me! Back to the angel eyes and the tales they tell. I can read these eyes like they are a part of my soul. My God intended...
