Rising Above with Becky Davidson

Dawn & Lori: Managing the Chaos

About the Episode

Dawn & Lori are back to discuss “managing the chaos.” Between Becky, Lori, and Dawn, their lives are all so different, but they all have systems in place to manage all the things as special-needs moms.

Enjoy their tips! We’d love to hear from you on the ways you have learned to manage the chaos.

Jarell & Kinesha Roach: Marriage as Special-Needs Parents

 

About the Roach family

"Hello, we are Kinesha & Jarell, proud parents of four beautiful and hilarious children. We presently serve our nation as military family, full-time missionary (US & South America), youth pastor (Eagles Nest Worship Center), and professional presenters (culinary & speaking). Our blended, special-needs family seeks to love people and spread the hope of Jesus Christ. We are also the founders of Our Gathering Place (serving special-needs families through judgement free engagements) & Hopehood (building Hoods of Hope thru encouragement & entertainment for people everywhere). In time, we aim to do all we can for the Kingdom with life God has given us. We love you and we believe in your potential to do great things." -K & J

 

Related Links

We are so excited Jarell & Kinesha Roach will be joining us for our TWOgether Marriage Conference coming up in February! We know you will love hearing more their story and how God sustains their marriage, even with the challenges that come with raising children with special needs.

Be sure to sign up here to join us! https://form.jotform.com/210044965015953

 

Jarell also joined us in the fall for the Extraordinary Legacy Conference for special-needs dads. To purchase that conference for a small fee, check out our resources page: https://www.risingaboveministries.org/retreat-experiences. 

Daniel & Dusti Brooks: Community

About the Brooks

Daniel & Dusti Brooks were introduced to special-needs parenthood when their second son, Max, was born with a rare medical condition. Their story has had its ups and downs as they have dealt with many scary situations surrounding his condition, but they have learned what it means to embrace the challenges, hold tightly to one another, and seek out community that understands.

Related Resources

Daniel & Dusti will be the hosts for the virtual TWOgether Marriage Conference on Friday, February 26. We would love for you to join us for this time of encouragement and community. We are currently running a buy one, get one free special on tickets. Tickets are $10 per couple, and currently, if you purchase a ticket, you'll get an extra to share with a friend! Sign up here to join us!

Nixons: When you get a diagnosis too

About the Nixons

Eric and Candy met and graduated together from Eastern University. Eric has a bachelor's degree in Business and Candy has a bachelor’s degree in Special, Elementary and Early Childhood Education and graduate work in Early Intervention Services and Ministerial Studies. Together, they have over 40 years of family and professional experience in disability and church ministry. They never imagined in 30 years of marriage that their story would include their three children being diagnosed with a rare Primary Immune Deficiency Disease at young ages and then for Eric to be diagnosed with MS shortly after the children.  Just five years ago, for Candy was diagnosed with the same disease their children have.

God has woven their passion for working with those affected by disabilities and their passion for the local church together. Eric and Candy facilitate several support groups for dads, moms and parents through their local church. Their vision is to provide a safe place for parents of children or adults with special needs to share their pain, loss, frustrations, joy, successes, and to find hope and encouragement through Scripture, fellowship, and prayer. On a nice day, you can find Eric out fishing, hunting, gardening with Candy, walking with their rescue dogs, or reading.

 

Favorite Quotes

“I needed people and I needed God.” -Eric

“I don’t really know how people go through disabilities without knowing God.” -Eric

"In my wedding vow, I said for better or for worse.” -Eric 

 

Related Links

Comman Man, Extraordinary Call

The Irresistible Book series with Joni & Friends (12 titles available for free on their website) --Candy was the contributing author in the "Doing Life Together" book.

Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special Needs Parent by Diane Dokko Kim

Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages for Parents Raising Children with Diablilities by Jolene Philo

Dawn & Lori: How to prepare for a hospital visit during COVID-19

We are thankful our friends Dawn and Lori are here again, this time to discuss the things you need to know before visiting the hospital during COVID-19, especially with your adult child with special needs. They give tips and real life experience, as well as let you know what items you always need to have with you.

We are grateful to provide a sample letter to help you if you find yourself in that situation.

 

Katie Frugé: Special-Needs Parenting, Cancer, & Human Dignity

About Katie

Katie Frugé is a stomach cancer survivor, special needs parent, amateur baker, professional theologian, and human rights advocate. She is married to her college sweetheart, D.L. and they have three daughters: Eve (9), Lissy (6), and Noelle (1). Katie has a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology, her primary area of interest is the imago Dei and human dignity. She serves as Associate Director for the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Katie loves a good cup of coffee, a good run, and a good musical.

 

Favorite Quotes

"The Lord, in His grace and His wisdom, prepares you for the trial right in front of you." -Katie Frugé

 

[On marriage]..."We’ve really been committed to say 'I’m with you. Period.'" - Katie Frugé

 

“I want you to see humans who have life to give.” -Katie Frugé

 

“I promise, there is joy to be had in this journey.” -Katie Frugé

 

“We’re going to choose family, no matter what.” -Katie Frugé

 

Connect with Katie

Instagram:  @choose_family

Ann Scherff: Parenting Multiple Children with Special Needs

 

About Ann 

Ann has been married to her husband, Dave, for 53 years and together they have five adult children, three of whom have special needs, and three grandsons, one who has autism. They are also caregivers for Dave's sister who has developmental disabilities and their youngest son Matthew also 32 who is deaf and has autism.  Ann has a Masters degree in education and also has degrees in paralegal, deaf studies/interpreting.  

Additionally, Ann has worked as an advocate and has volunteered in different capacities with local, regional and state organizations that support people with disabilities such as Board of Visitors, Parent to Parent, Independent Living Organizations, Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, and Family Support services.  In their former church, Ann served as an interpreter and as a parish advocate for people with disabilities.   In her current church, she interprets, sings with the praise team, and is a Stephen Minister.  

 

 

Favorite Quotes

“We are serving God when we serve our children.” -Ann Scherff

 

"I think it’s looking more at the big picture, and looking at the possibilities, and seeing not the disabilities, but seeing the abilities…and seeing them as a person and not as a label.” -Ann Scherff

The Quarles: Dealing with an unexpected diagnosis

About Chad and Staci

Chad and Staci have been married for 21 years and have 2 girls, Madelynn, 17 who has special needs: epilepsy, nonverbal, limited mobility and Kayla, 13 who is in 7th grade and loves to play volleyball and chat with her friends. They have lived in Arizona since 2015 and before that resided in Franklin, TN for 11 years.

 

Favorite Quotes

“It really was a lifeline to find the Community Groups within Rising Above.” -Chad Quarles

"Even hearing the ladies talking about their families...they get me, they know exactly what I'm going through." -Staci Quarles

"Staying engaged in church and now actually with the Community Groups here, because that is so life-giving. It encourages us, it challenges us, it challenges our marriage..." -Chad Quarles

“It’s something that God has allowed, and God will give you the strength to get through.” -Chad Quarles

 

Related Links

“Common Man, Extraordinary Call” 

Extraordinary Legacy Conference

Rising Above Ministries 

Year End Recap with Rising Above Staff

We are excited about all God has done in 2020 even in the midst of a global pandemic, and we look forward to what is to come in 2021! Hear more about where we have been and where we're headed in the future in this podcast with the Rising Above Ministries staff.

 

Transitioning to Adulthood: Part Two

Dawn & Lori join us again for part two of "Transitioning to Adulthood." This episode covers topics like wills, insurance, estate planning, and making arrangements to care for your child (or adult) long after you're gone. As uncomfortable as this topic can be, be encouraged and empowered that special-needs parents can do hard things for the sake of caring for those they love! Bring your pen and paper, because there are some very practical take-aways for where to begin this process.

If you missed part one, be sure to catch it here!