Thank you Willow Creek
Dear friends at Willow Creek.
Thank you for your hospitality. I am overwhelmed. My dad and I had a wonderful time speaking at your church this weekend. Thank you for caring so much about our families with disabilities.
I loved meeting so many of you after the services. But I needed more time! I want to hear YOUR story. Would you share it with me here? If you have a story that might help others, I’d love to post it. And if you weren’t at Willow Creek today, we missed you. I want to hear your story too.
“You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.”
Psalm 30:11-12
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9 Responses to “Thank you Willow Creek”
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Emily – I’m not sure if my message got to you. Please watch our video. OUr work blends beautifully with what both you and your Dad are doing! I watched your talk from Willow right after you were there and appreciated so much you had to say. Then, recently, a man who does prison ministry contacted me about our work with person centered planning, microboards and cooperatives. IT prompted me to get in touch with you. I hope you’ll take 15 minutes to learn a little about our work – I know you’re going to like it!
Wendy Partridge, Rockford, Illinois
Emily,
Our church is willow creek affiliated, but we are in Virginia. I actually just finished watching you on Huckabee. You and your father made my husband and I bawl. With autism being so prevalent right now, its shocking how little its talked about, especially from the perspective of the parents and how hard it is. We really can relate to the part of being isolated. Noah is 4 and is nonverbal autistic. I too put him into bed each night (luckily with the help of some medicine to help him sleep) and sit on the couch and just veg. I stay up so late trying to get some sort of “me” time because I feel so drained from the day. His teachers have tried the PECS system (picture system) with him but he hasn’t really responded to that. We’re hoping to get an IPAD soon and try that method of communication. I feel like if you haven’t walked the road, you really have NO idea what its like. Its not just being worried about the tantrum that may come. For us, its an every minute of every day worry or anxiety about something. Will he eat? Will he sleep? Will he let us change his diaper? Will he push his sister? Will he tantrum about any number of things? Worrying about his safety since he can’t talk….etc etc etc. Is the weight of 10 worlds on your shoulders. But people also don’t fully understand the EXTREME blessings that peep through every so often. When they say something that they haven’t before, when they seem to look at you and really connect, when they pull you in for a tight squeeze or a hug, when they FINALLY voice what they want…its not like a neurotypical child…its HUGE and we have a HUGE celebration! Right now its very challenging, but those little glimpses of bliss give me hope for the future. Thank you for being out there and not sugar coating it! I pray that there will be less stares and glares and that people as a whole become more compasionate! Thank you!
My very dear friend attends Willow Creek, and she told me that you were going to speak there. I was unable to attend, but she purchased your book for me. I have a 2 year old (almost 3) daughter who was diagnosed with autism at 2 1/2. The diagnosis and shock are still very “fresh”. Your book really inspired me, and gave me hope that I thought I would never have. Thank you for being so candid about the good, and the not so good roads ahead. You are an amazing gift to so many, and to Max. He’s so lucky that You were chosen to be his Mom.
Hi Michelle,
I’m so glad your friend was at Willow Creek and gave you a book. Your daughter was just diagnosed? I can imagine that you might feel like your life just turned upside down. But hold on, Michelle. You have an adventure ahead. Of course there will be difficult times, but the love and laughter and joy will outweigh the struggle. I know.
Trust in God, Michelle. He has a plan.
Hug your precious daughter for me. She is a gift.
God bless you.
Emily
She is right about the adventure ahead. But I am telling you, out of the 4 children I have, my son with autism is the the most beautiful thing God has ever given me.. I love all of my children equally, but my son Ian is a true spirit. He is so pure and good that I can only thank God for something so innocent. Just let it ride its course, and God will show you the way…
Emily–
Just watched the video of you speaking at Willow Creek. I felt such comfort listening to you. Your story is so familiar to me. My son is now 9, and it seems at times harder than when he was younger. I often feel more impatient, wishing he would “grow up.” I often feel more concerned when I speak to other children his age and see what they can do. Your peace is amazing and I pray each day for this peace that passes all understanding. I would love to hear more of your thoughts and the wisdom you’ve gained as Max has grown up.
I finished reading your book Dancing With Max in early March. Thank you for writing the book. Reading it has helped me in so many ways. I am a single (divorced) mother of a five year old autistic daughter. I recognized my daughter in several of your stories about Max. Some of my favorites are the liquor store, undressing at the beach and promising him McDonald’s. My daughter and I are just starting on our “autistic” journey and reading about your “autistic” journey has given me hope. Thanks again.
Sabrina,
You have an adventure ahead. And there will be joy and laughter along the way. I know this is a tough journey at times, but keep watching for the gifts. You will find them.
God bless you,
Emily
Emily
I’d like to thank you – I listened to the podcast of your talk at WIllow Creek.. and I was blown away! So I watched the video of it, then blogged about it here:
http://endlesslyrestless.wordpress.com/2011/06/19/dancing-with-max/
I’ve been in churches all of my (nearly) 49 years, and this is the best talk I’ve heard. I was moved, uplifted, challenged, inspired….
Thank you so much for sharing so openly. Now I’m going directly to buy the book.