I know summer is really over, but I am just now getting to posting this. I have considered many times but just never did. With Joshua having less therapy sessions during the summer, I somehow decided I had more time to read....even though I didn't have any time to read during the day. Anyway, I wanted to share a couple of books that I read. I think it shows alot about where my heart is & really where I still am in processing much of what we have been through.
The first is
A Symphony in the Dark: Hearing God's Voice in Seasons of Grief. This book was recommended by a friend on her blog. I literally read it in a couple of hours. I couldn't put it down even though it is a heart-breaking story. I think anyone who has lost a child of any age should definitely read it. I think my favorite quote from the book is "the Creator of all beauty knows that in His living works of art and song the most beautiful are those who have known the darkness of pain and loss, thereby magnifying the lightness of great joys and delights" (by Barbara Rainey, pg 26).
The second book, which I am still reading, is
Unexpected Journey: When Special Needs Change Our Course. Many people don't realize that Joshua is considered "special needs" at this point in his life. We have no idea if this will always be the case or not, but for now, we find ourselves to be caretakers of a special needs child....a job we didn't sign up for & didn't (still don't) feel prepared for. However, we are learning as we go & have seen many blessings from his precious life. This book is written by parents of a special needs child (now an adult). They continue to care for their son but also cared for parents who had special medical needs in their declining years. I think everyone should read this book for a couple of reasons. First, you never know what the future holds. An accident or medical condition could put you or someone you love in the role of a "special needs" person or caretaker. Second, it gives so much insight into what life is like for a family that has a person with special needs. I have read so many things in this book that I have thought & wished I could share with others but just didn't know how.
What is next on my reading list? I have already started a book that was written by the doctor who developed a certain type of therapy that we are trying with Joshua, and have another of his books that further discusses that therapy. After that, I plan to try to get to
When God Breaks Your Heart: Choosing Hope in the Midst of Faith-Shattering Circumstances,
The Hidden Smile of God, and
The Challenging Child (yes, I admit that even though my child is cute & sweet....he is a challenge!). I think after all of that, I will be ready for some light reading. Of course, maybe all of this balances out the thousands of readings of
Brown Bear, Brown Bear and
Llama Llama Mad at Mama!!
Since I know it is wrong to post something so long & serious without any pictures, here is one from playing a couple of nights ago:
