Publisher's Note

Oftentimes, out of fear of how our special needs son Jordan will do in specific environments, we choose to just not go. I love that more often than not, when we do go and participate, Jordan does way better than we expected.

One of the things our son enjoys most is playing in sand and water and enjoying the sun. So I decided to take a leap of faith and take my kids to Panama City Beach a couple of months ago. Knowing that my husband couldn’t get away from work, I went with a dear friend and her son and all three of my kids. It can often be overwhelming even when my husband and I are managing our kids together, so I knew it would be a lot of work to manage them without his help. But I knew it would be worth it.

Jordan’s favorite thing to do – play with an unlimited amount of sand on the beach in the sun! He was in his happy place!

I am glad we got to spend this time together and am very thankful for it. I was very apprehensive about this trip and worried that Jordan would run away and not stay close to us. But I was so surprised to see that he did stay close.

It was not easy taking all three of my kids to the beach by myself. They did relatively well. But now I am needing a vacation from vacation.

This month, we are focusing on mental health awareness. Problems with mental health is something that so many of us are either experiencing or know someone who is. I just can’t even begin to express the gratitude I have for the stories shared here each and every month. Each of the stories we have the pleasure of sharing has had an impact on me. I am so encouraged to keep pushing and fighting even when I do not feel like it because I know so many in the special needs community are out there doing it, too.

Special Needs Living is designed for individuals with special needs and families who have a child with any type of special need, whether psychological, behavioral, emotional, or physical. Stories are largely written by our readers. It is for you, by you, and meant to connect you. Oftentimes we can feel alone and isolated. The stories shared here will give hope, inspiration, and encouragement, perhaps even shift your perspective. If you have a story you would like to share, you are welcome to email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@ n2pub.com or check out our Linktr.ee/Community.Stories to view some of the story template options.

Jordan loves to squish things in his hands. We enjoyed trying out some clay and wheel fun at Mobile Ripple Arts!

We would love to share any milestones that your child has accomplished. Maybe it is getting dressed on their own, eating on their own, using the restroom, communicating, getting a driver’s license, graduating from high school/college, getting their first

job, living on their own. Email photos and a caption to SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com.

To keep up with events, stories, and things we are looking to add to the magazine, you can follow us on our Facebook page: Special Needs Living magazine. You can view our monthly digital versions there also.

I also want to let you know that we now have an easy way to share stories. You can put your camera over the QR Code here and it will take you to the site where there are several story options. You can pick a story that relates to you and answer the questions you like. Note that you do not have to answer them all. You can upload photos here, too. It is stories like yours that inspire and impact others, may shift thinking, or give hope and encouragement. These stories also make nice keepsakes that you and your family can treasure for years to come.

We hope you enjoy the May issue of Special Needs Living. We welcome feedback, thoughts, or ideas. It is such a blessing to bring this magazine and resource to you each and every month!

Your Publisher, Jamie McCabe 248-882-8448 Jamie.McCabe@n2pub.com

Open up your phone’s camera and hold it over this QR Code. A link will appear. When you click on the link, it will take you to a site where you will have a chance to see many story options. Click a link, answer questions, and upload photos. It’s that simple. We look forward to sharing your story in a future issue.