Trisomy 16 and VSD: Adelaide’s Story of Hope

The Shivers family faced an extraordinary diagnosis of trisomy 16 for their unborn daughter. Their story involves difficult decisions, long periods of time in the hospital, and ultimately, unwavering hope that extended beyond their circumstances. Read more to see how they faced each stage of their journey with trisomy 16 and VSD.

StoriesMary Brantley MeadeApril 18, 2022Genetics, Cardiology, NeonatologyComment

Laryngomalacia and Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: Ransom’s Story of Hope

Mary Brantley and her husband Nate were overjoyed when their twins were born healthy at 37 weeks, but within hours their son Ransom experienced respiratory distress, a moment that marked the beginning of their journey with Laryngomalacia and Oropharyngeal Dysphagia. Mary Brantley writes honestly about the ups and downs of their story and the hope that has carried them every step of the way.

StoriesMary Brantley MeadeApril 14, 2021Neurology, Gastroenterology, Otolaryngology Comments

Helping Our Children Honor and Value Others with Disabilities [Book Recommendation]

As I reflect on the benefit of having a child with a diagnosis, I can’t help but notice how it is positively affecting my other children. My typical children have learned the unique risks and challenges that Ransom faces, and they are learning to help protect him and teach others about him. I see tiny seeds of compassion and empathy growing in their little hearts that I doubt would be growing without our medical challenges. The book God Made Me Unique produced by Joni and Friends is an amazing resource to help children honor and value every person they encounter.

Family Resources, Supporting Loved OnesMary Brantley MeadeFebruary 25, 2021Family LifeComment

Why Can’t I Sleep? (Reflecting on Rest After A Child’s Diagnosis)

When you have a child with a diagnosis, it is natural for your mind to be reeling with uncertainty. Sometimes the most godly and hopeful thing you can do is relax every muscle, close down your Google search bar, and fall asleep. Letting go of these thoughts for the night is a spiritual practice, but the work is all Christ’s. He lovingly takes our burdens and gives us rest. What a sweet exchange!

EncouragementMary Brantley MeadeFebruary 3, 2021When You Feel Worried, When Storms Hit, When You Have Big QuestionsComment

Feeling Forgotten

Getting a diagnosis and managing treatments and appointments is already overwhelming, but in the midst of a pandemic, it’s easy to feel even more isolated. Take heart with this encouragement to both ask for help courageously and steady yourself in hope and truth.

EncouragementMary Brantley MeadeJanuary 19, 2021When You Feel Alone, When You Feel Discouraged, When You Need HopeComment

God Will Never Give You More Than He Can Handle

There have been times when our story with a diagnosis felt completely overwhelming. And the truth is, that’s okay. You may hear the phrase that God doesn’t give you more than you can handle, but God gives us a deeper hope to hold onto. These tend to be the times when God shows us how much he can handle and how much we can rely on him.

EncouragementMary Brantley MeadeSeptember 2, 2020When You Feel Discouraged, When You Feel Overwhelmed, When You Need HopeComment

Advice for Those Who Love a Family Facing a Childhood Diagnosis

A good friend can be a tangible expression of God’s mercy when we least expect it. A friend showed up for us when we felt too low and broken to receive it, but God knew better. Here are a few words of wisdom for showing up well for a family you love who is facing a childhood diagnosis.

Supporting Loved OnesMary Brantley MeadeJuly 22, 2020 Comments

What to Read When You Are Overwhelmed with Medical Care

During medical appointments and therapy sessions, medical professionals usually call on the parent to rehearse the child’s medical history. The conversation centers on those things that are atypical or unhealthy. We major on the cannots since this is the jumping off point for treatment. This is where I get overwhelmed. Here is how I hold onto hope in these times.

You Can Be Sad and Still Have Hope

Have you ever experienced hurt or sadness or heaviness that made it difficult to find hope? I’ve been here with my experience as a mother of a child with special needs. In my journey I’ve learned that lament is one way — without ignoring the sadness — to reach hope that you can stand firm on.

Contemplating a Lifetime of Serving My Child with Special Needs

When you have a child with special needs and a seemingly profound diagnosis, panic can creep in. Each month of little progress can cause us to ask the question, “So, what if this lasts his whole life. What then?” We are so encouraged by the wisdom we gained from this courageous and hope-filled mother.

How Do I Cope While Watching My Child Suffer?

After two surgeries and three hospital stays, I sat with my one-month-old in absolute emotional distress. Every. Single. Breath was work for him. It grieved me to watch him suffer as his mother, his protector...his safe place. In this article I share ways that I found comfort, peace, and hope while watching my child suffer with his medical challenges.

God is Here: Where is God When I Receive an Unexpected Diagnosis?

Facing an unexpected diagnosis can be scary and isolating, and it can be easy to wonder, "Where is God?" But these are also times when we can find hope and comfort. Read about how hope is found during one of these moments and discover some truths you can firmly stand on.