Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined this would happen. It certainly wasn’t the path she had planned out for her life.

When she initially got the news, she was stunned. After all, this pregnancy wasn’t even expected in the first place. But to then get the news that this child wouldn’t be typical… well, no one originally plans or even dreams of giving birth to a special child.

I felt like I had been betrayed, lied to, deceived—and betrayed again. And worst of all, I felt like the person who did it to me didn’t even care.

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I sat on the worn dirt patch beside the weeping willow tree and tried to focus my eyes through the tears.
I felt everything, and yet I felt nothing, all at the same time. My thoughts were on fire and my heart was stone cold.

I felt like I had been betrayed, lied to, deceived—and betrayed again. And worst of all, I felt like the person who did it to me didn’t even care.

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How is it possible that you're 28 today? I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was a quiet Sunday afternoon. The plan was to be induced the next morning, but in true Jon Alex fashion, you had your own schedule.

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Last week, we had our annual IEP meeting for our son, Jon Alex.

This particular meeting carried more weight than many in the past. For the last several years, Jon Alex has been in the same Comprehensive Development Classroom (CDC), with the same teacher, at the same school.

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Today marks the first day of the new school year here in the town where Rising Above has its national ministry offices. Since we follow a year-round school calendar, our students head back a little earlier than most.

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Cheated? The question comes up often. Usually, it’s from well-intentioned people who don’t fully understand the perspective God has given me when it comes to raising a child with disabilities.

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This year marks a truly special milestone—we are celebrating 20 years of ministry! As we reflect on the past two decades, we are filled with gratitude for all God has done through Rising Above to serve and support families with special needs.

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I can remember back 15 years ago when we were expecting Jon Alex, and our friends and family were hosting baby showers for us.

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I spent most of this Father’s Day weekend in a funk. I should have seen it coming because it tends to affect me like this every year.

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One of my biggest struggles as the dad of a son with profound special needs is jealousy. After 15 years, you would think I would be capable of rising above it, but it still strikes from time to time.

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Dads came from nine states and enjoyed good food, laughter, fun, and rest. Base Camp is a safe place for dads to be real about the myriad of emotions and struggles they face.

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