An exhausted parent can’t provide the best care, although occasionally, we have all had to do so.

Grayson noticed me next to the lockers. He pointed at me then held his arms out magnanimously. “You’re welcome, new girl,” he said. “I just saved you from having to find a nice way to say no to the leg dragger.

Even though our journey as parents of a medically fragile child began with emotional turmoil, it has since become a purposeful odyssey that brings meaning and depth to our lives. This is the road we were born to travel.

The partnership between nurses and families is based on mutual trust, and defining the boundaries and rules clearly will help everyone involved, especially your child.

The process of reforming the mental health system never includes the complaints that families and caregivers have regarding a need for increased access to resources, treatment, education, and financial support. Reform has continued to ignore the basic needs of families and suffering individuals with severe mental illness and special needs.

The more love and support your child receives, the richer his or her life becomes, and nurses can certainly add to the circle of love surrounding your child.

My parents, you see, were a little square. They cared more about being good parents in the general sense than being good parents for me. They wanted to appear normal; respectable and responsible. But they weren’t prepared to acknowledge my individual needs.

Often people ask, 'How can you say you're blessed to have a son with Down syndrome?' My outlook on life has forever changed. I see my own challenges differently. He's always showing me that life is so much bigger than self.

My faith has strengthen. God has shown me through my son with Down syndrome to not take anything for granted. I'm more grateful.

When it is managed effectively, in-home nursing can become a support for caregivers and families stressed with the care of a medically fragile child.