Rising Above with Becky Davidson

Finding Joy in the Hard: Friendship and Motherhood Among Special Needs Moms- Part 2

In part two of this heartfelt conversation, Becky Davidson sits down with her friends Lisa Bryan, Tracey Martin, and Cynthia Barkley to talk honestly—and often hilariously—about the realities of raising sons with special needs.

From grief and caregiving to sensory challenges and some unforgettable poop stories, they share the moments that are both incredibly hard and unexpectedly joyful. Through laughter, tears, and plenty of “you just had to be there” moments, they talk about how friendship can sustain you when life feels overwhelming.

There’s something powerful about being with people who truly get it—people who understand the hard days without explanation, laugh with you when things get ridiculous, and remind you that even in the middle of the mess, there is still joy.

This two-part conversation is a reminder of the gift of friendship, the importance of perspective, and why having “your people” can make all the difference.

Our mission is to uplift the extraordinary voices in the special-needs community. Have a story to share? Fill out this form to be considered for the podcast! https://forms.gle/Zi2SWGwP29arNDAm9

If you’d like to learn more about how you can partner to make this podcast possible, https://forms.gle/Zi2SWGwP29arNDAm9

Finding Joy in the Hard: Friendship and Motherhood Among Special Needs Moms- Part 1

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, a group of lifelong friends opens up about the joys, challenges, and unexpected moments that come with raising sons with special needs. Through laughter, vulnerability, and shared experiences, they explore what it means to navigate motherhood as their boys grow into young men with diagnoses including autism, ADHD, fragile X, and other unique needs.

The conversation highlights the power of friendship and community as these moms reflect on the moments that tested them — from public meltdowns and sensory challenges to “poop patrol,” bathroom adventures, and the everyday surprises that come with caregiving. They share how humor has become a survival skill, helping them find light in difficult seasons and celebrate the small victories that others may never see.

The friends also discuss practical strategies that have helped their families thrive, including visual schedules, social stories, sensory regulation techniques, and carefully preparing for new environments. Beyond strategies, they emphasize something even more important: finding “your people” — the community of support that understands the journey and walks alongside you.

Throughout the episode, they reflect on faith, gratitude, and the moments when they catch glimpses of their children’s joy and individuality. Their friendship has provided emotional strength, encouragement, and a reminder that no mom should have to navigate this path alone.

Filled with funny stories, honest conversations, and heartfelt reflections, this episode celebrates the beauty found in the hard moments. Whether you are a special needs parent, a caregiver, or someone supporting a family on this journey, this conversation is a reminder that connection, laughter, and love can carry us through even the most challenging seasons.

 

Our mission is to uplift the extraordinary voices in the special-needs community. Have a story to share? Fill out this form to be considered for the podcast! 

https://forms.gle/Zi2SWGwP29arNDAm9

 

 

What if your hardest parenting season is also part of God's greater purpose?

Raising a child with special needs can feel lonely, exhausting, and uncertain. In this heartfelt episode, Cynthia Barkley shares her family's journey through a premature birth, an autism diagnosis, and years of advocacy, therapy, and unwavering faith. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in life's most difficult moments, God is present, working through every challenge.

Cynthia opens up about receiving her son Josiah's autism diagnosis, processing grief, and learning to trust God's plan while navigating the complexities of autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and other developmental challenges. She also shares practical advice for finding resources, building a support system, advocating for your child, and maintaining hope through every season—from early intervention to adulthood.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or someone supporting a family with special needs, this conversation offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and the reassurance that you are never alone.

In This Episode

• Cynthia's journey through a premature birth and autism diagnosis
• Processing grief while holding onto faith
• Finding resources and building a strong support network
• Advocating for therapies, services, and educational needs
• Navigating multiple diagnoses, including ADHD and sensory processing disorder
• Homeschooling and supporting lifelong learning
• Helping siblings navigate life with a special needs family member
• Transitioning into adulthood after high school
• Why it's never too late for growth, independence, and new opportunities
• The role of prayer, community, and perseverance in everyday life
• Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed or isolated

Key Takeaways

• You don't have to walk this journey alone.
• Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Give yourself grace during difficult seasons.
• Community and friendship make a tremendous difference.
• Faith provides strength when answers are hard to find.
• Every child has unique gifts and God-given purpose.
• Progress may look different than expected, but every milestone matters.

Enjoyed This Episode?

If this conversation encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent or caregiver who could use a reminder that hope is always possible—even on the hardest days.

 

Sponsor The Rising Above with Becky Davidson Podcast, Make A Difference.

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Episode Summary

This week, we're doing something a little different, and I'm so excited to welcome my friend, Sherri Stickler, to the podcast! If you've ever been curious about herbal medicine or wondered how natural remedies can support your family's health, this conversation is for you.

Sherri is a Registered Herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild and the founder of Synergy Herbal Works. After spending years in respiratory and patient care within conventional medicine, she felt called to pursue herbal medicine—a path where science, nature, and faith come together to support the body's God-designed ability to heal.

In this episode, we explore practical ways herbs can support children's health, emotional well-being, better sleep, hormonal balance, immune health, and everyday wellness. Sherri shares her knowledge with both wisdom and encouragement, making this conversation approachable whether you're completely new to herbal remedies or already incorporating them into your lifestyle.

Grab a notebook because this episode is packed with practical tips, thoughtful insights, and simple ways to begin exploring herbal wellness with confidence.

Disclaimer: This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare routine.

 

Resource Links: 

Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use: Gladstar, Rosemary: 9781612120058: Amazon.com: Books

 

 

Naturally Healthy Babies and Children: A Commonsense Guide to Herbal Remedies, Nutrition, and Health: Aviva Jill Romm, William Sears: 9781587611926: Amazon.com: Books

 

The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child Care: Morell, Sally Fallon, Cowan, Thomas S.: 0884331252815: Amazon.com: Books

 

 National Center for Integrative and Complementary Health  https://www.nccih.nih.gov/

 

Finding Blessings and Building Resilience in the Journey of a Special Needs Parent

In this heartfelt episode, Becky Davidson welcomes Joe and Cindi Ferrini, authors of The Special Needs Parent: A Guide to the Life You Never Expected, to share the remarkable story of their 45-year journey raising their son, Joey, who has cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability. Through honest conversations, practical wisdom, and unwavering faith, Joe and Cindi offer encouragement to parents and caregivers navigating the unexpected realities of raising a child with special needs.

Together, they reflect on the emotions surrounding an early diagnosis, the ongoing process of grieving unmet expectations, and the unexpected blessings that have emerged throughout Joey's life. They discuss the importance of building a strong support system, maintaining healthy family relationships, responding with grace to social challenges, and finding hope through faith and community.

The conversation also explores the inspiration behind their new book, which provides practical guidance on topics such as finances, sibling relationships, caregiving, emotional resilience, and planning for the future. Above all, Joe and Cindi remind listeners that while the journey may not look as they once imagined, it can still be filled with purpose, joy, growth, and countless moments of unexpected blessing.

Whether you're a parent of a child with special needs, a caregiver, or someone seeking encouragement through life's unexpected challenges, this episode offers compassionate insight, practical advice, and a powerful message of hope, endurance, and resilience.

 

Related Resources:

https://www.amazon.com/Special-Needs-Parent-Guide-Expected/dp/0802437702/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3FP52U1DGRBF3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2eJ_UP4a7ad4AHcpQM1P3bIvOizQY0TXQ2n6ZfxnGNnGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.CxWJEx2pNCZ626Zzm2O0JLu5GiljcErqrGtrXleuZ60&dib_tag=se&keywords=joe+and+cindi+ferrini&qid=1784135759&sprefix=Joe+and+Cindi%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-3

 

https://autismfaithnetwork.com/ Autism Faith Network

Tegan is a former Canadian resident and full-time engineer who now calls Pittsburgh home, where she's a full-time mom of three, always chasing sunshine and finding adventure in everyday family life. Known in the Rare and Mighty (RAM) community for her honest, "no sugarcoating" approach and her thoughtful exploration of special needs theology, Tegan shares the life-changing journey that began when her middle daughter, Eloise, was diagnosed with the rare genetic condition FOXG1 syndrome at just ten months old.

In this deeply moving conversation, Tegan opens up about navigating the heartbreak of a late miscarriage, the shock of an unexpected diagnosis, and the difficult questions that challenged her faith. She reflects on how prayer, community, and God's unwavering presence reshaped her understanding of suffering, goodness, and unconditional love.

Together, we explore the difference between grieving the future you imagined and finding joy in the life you have, the daily invitation to sacrificial love through caregiving, and how raising a child with special needs has transformed Tegan's relationship with God. She also shares the beautiful story behind naming her youngest son, Boaz, and what redemption has looked like for her family.

Whether you're walking through hardship, caring for a loved one with disabilities, or wrestling with faith in difficult seasons, Tegan's honesty, wisdom, and hope will encourage you to discover God's love in unexpected places.

Tim and Jen’s 27-year marriage and their family’s adoption journey, including three special needs adoptions from China, as well as the call that led them to Belize and the realities of adapting to a new culture as a missionary family. Tim shares what it has looked like to raise children with special needs while navigating healthcare, education, and ministry overseas, and he explains the story behind Three D Friends and its mission to support special needs families in Belize. The conversation also highlights how events like Night to Shine are creating inclusion and dignity for individuals with disabilities, while also encouraging fathers and men in Belize to become more engaged in family life and faith leadership. Tim reflects on Joshua’s rare diagnosis and how God used a difficult season to bring clarity, provision, and deeper trust, while emphasizing the importance of obedience, resilience, and cultural understanding in long-term missions work. He also shares the future vision for camps, therapy centers, and expanded support for children with special needs and their families.

Tamecka shares her journey as a single mother raising a son with Down syndrome and autism, reflecting on the challenges of diagnosis, healthcare demands, and balancing work and caregiving alone. She highlights how faith and prayer helped her stay grounded through difficult moments.

The episode emphasizes the importance of community support, advocacy for children with disabilities, and greater workplace understanding for single parents. Despite the hardships, Tamecka celebrates her son’s joyful spirit, sharing how his presence has brought purpose, resilience, and hope into her life.

In this uplifting episode, Becky sits down with Meredith Cornish, a mom of 15, to talk about faith, family, and finding joy in the midst of life's challenges. Meredith shares her journey of raising children with disabilities, growing her family through adoption, and trusting God's goodness through every season.

Together, they discuss intentional parenting, creating peace in a busy home, supporting children with special needs, and the importance of community, prayer, and resilience. Meredith also shares insights from her book, Even in the Hard Stuff, encouraging listeners to find hope, gratitude, and God's grace even in difficult circumstances.

This conversation is filled with practical wisdom, heartfelt encouragement, and a powerful reminder that joy can be found even in the hard stuff.

In this episode, we sit down with Will Spears, a high school senior with a heart for serving others. Will shares his personal story and explains why he is so passionate about supporting the special needs community. He talks about his efforts to raise funds and help students from Livingston Academy’s Special Education Department attend the Special Needs Prom hosted by Rising Above Ministries. Through his leadership, compassion, and dedication, Will is making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Join us as we hear about the experiences that have inspired him and the difference one young person can make in a community.