Well, it’s been a couple of days since Shelby got back from camp. I can’t help but wonder what I was worried about. I have rarely seen her as joyful as when I picked her up. She was so happy that, yes – you guessed it – I cried again. Happy tears to greet my happy girl. In this picture, she is getting ready to ride the zip line. She rode horses, went to a dance, canoed, played mud ball, and participated in the talent show. And she smiled, and smiled and smiled some more. Even with her limitations and her struggles to communicate, my girl is a people person. I can only imagine how she shined surrounded by 160 kids and amazing counselors all week! It does a mommy’s heart good. I’m so thankful that she had this experience and so glad to have her back home for more summer adventures. God cares for me, and he loves Shelby better than I ever could. Maybe someday I will learn to trust him completely. Until then I will continue to work to “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Dravet Daddy
Originally published June 19, 2011
How lucky am I? I have an amazing partner in parenting. Chuck is loving, patient, strong, Godly and calm in an emergency. It’s almost as if God has been raising him up for this job all his life (of course)! Not only can Chuck handle medications, therapies, procedures and special programs; but he is good with Shelby too! Along with learning to care for Shelby, this Dynamite Daddy has had to learn to handle my stresses, anxieties, and poor coping mechanisms. And he does it all with compassion and understanding. His encouraging words and his strong arms are always waiting for the girls and me. I am so thankful to God for giving me this husband and Daddy to our children.
I am also blessed to have my Papa. He loved me well and now he loves Shelby and Allie too. This picture of him holding Shelby brings back so many memories. I continued to crawl up in his lap – just like that well – into high school. His strong, sometimes silent love leads our family. He has always said, “Papa loves his girls!” Well, his girls love Papa too.
Happy Father’s Day to the men in my life!



