Yesterday I starred in my very own production of Martyr Mom. I’m the only one who does any work around here, I thought. The closing act of my mom drama was…
Jennifer Dyer
Jennifer Dyer has an M.S. in Communications Disorders, which served her well in her professional career as a speech-language pathologist. Never did she imagine that her education and career were God’s way of preparing her to be a mom to her own daughter with autism. Today, she enjoys reaching out to other families who face similar diagnoses. As a cancer survivor, carpet-cleaning veteran, and originator of the “Messy House Ministry,” Jennifer feels blessed to share joy, peace, and humor with others facing life’s challenges. She and her IT genius husband Brandon have been married since 1998.
A Lesson in Tenacity From My Daughter with Autism
Even though she is minimally verbal, my 9-year-old daughter Rachel can stick to a subject. For example, this year she decided she wanted to ride the special needs bus to…
My Child Wants to Follow the Crowd
A few weeks ago, while visiting friends, Eldest texted to ask me if she could watch a movie. When I looked up the movie, I didn’t like what I read…
Resisting Desire’s Pull
Have you ever wanted something you didn’t have? Wanted someone? Chances are if you are human you answered yes. What is desire? Dictionary.com defines desire, in part, as “a longing…
Doing Nothing
A few weeks ago, I called a friend and asked what she was doing. Her breathing was heavy, like she’d run to get the phone. “Nothing. I haven’t gotten anything…
School’s Starting? But it’s Too Soon!
I can’t believe another school year is almost upon me. It feels as though summer just started. But here we are again. Although school is a good routine and it…
What is Your Value, Mom?
Recently I saw a book entitled something like “The Best Couples Die Rich.” Really? Is that the goal? To chase the wind and die trying to hold it? To end…
Finding Rest in My Imperfections
Once upon a time … Isn’t that how most fairy tales start? And fairy tales are fantasy, yes? Yet … sometimes it is easy to swallow it whole. I never…
The Noble Task of Motherhood
Back in my teens, my high school stopped offering home economy classes. No one wanted to take them. Why? Most young women believed home ec was for unambitious girls who…
Dinnertime, Autism, and the Reality of my Not-Picture-Perfect Life
Just after Rachel (my daughter on the autism spectrum) turned two, she started climbing on the dining room table. Once standing on the surface, she would stomp around and boogie….