This blog is not associated with any organization or company. Recommendations are based solely on our own family's beliefs and standards. It is your responsibility to do your own research in order to make wise decisions based on your own family's needs, beliefs and standards.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

A Letter to Amy

Dear Amy,

Thank you for asking me about homeschooling your special needs child.  I hope that I can encourage you!

Our own special needs child is now an adult, and although our journey has been a long one, we know that every journey is long, and that some are simply different.

Since our special needs son is our oldest, we were doubly confused!  We had no child to show us what "normal" looked like.  But we knew that, after his one year in a public school early childhood program, bringing him home was the best--the only--option.  We knew that no one else could give him what was most important:  our love, our faith in Jesus, our heritage.  Academics and life skills, though important, are secondary issues that would, with time, eventually be learned.

We began simply by loving our son.  As much as he let us, we hugged him, sang to him, tickled him, told him we loved him, and that Jesus loved him.  He was God's precious gift to us.  We read to him, went for walks together, played at the park, dug in the dirt, and played together with his baby brothers.

We researched the thing--autism--that held him in its grip.  We visited the library, searched the Internet, and asked questions.  We became his experts and advocates.  Though many times it was a struggle, we trusted the Lord for each step.  The path was dark, but God was faithful to reveal just a few more steps ahead.  The Lord then helped us take each of those steps.

As our son grew, we taught his younger brothers how best to love him.  We involved them in his care and therapy, when possible.  As his brothers matured, they became his best friends and his protectors.  We also involved others--extended family, church members, and families in our homeschool support group.  We taught them how best to help.  And we asked for help when we needed it.

The academics came.  Our son learned math, reading and writing, history and science.  He graduated from our homeschool.  But his crowning glory is that he serves the Lord today.

None of this came easily.  We cried, prayed, even complained throughout the struggles.  But, the Lord did not forsake us; He guided and carried us.  He guides and carries us still.  He will do the same for you.

With the love of Christ,

Christine


Fernando and Christine have been married since 1987.  They began homeschooling in 1994 after pulling their son out of a public school early-childhood class.  They have four sons, three of whom have graduated their homeschool.  Joseph, their oldest, has autism.

1 comment:

Janis Van Keuren said...

Christine,
When I came over to your blog profile, I was intrigued by the "special needs" title. We have two sons who have special needs but were able to attend Christian schools through High School. It is definitely a challenge, full of a lot of tears, crying out to the Lord, and yes, some complaining, too.

I am so glad you have seen success with your son. We look forward to seeing more of the Lord's work in both of our sons' lives.

Out of all of this, I became a Special Education Teaching Assistant--first at their Christian school in California and now, I'm working with a visually impaired student at a local public elementary school. And I love it!

The Lord brings good out of all situations.

May He bless our sons with a close walk with Him and the fulfillment of His plan for their lives.

Thank you for your concern and prayer for our fruit trees. I guess we'll know more in a few months. Thank you for stopping by.

Blessings,
Janis