Dancing in the Rain

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One of my all time favorite quotes, the one that helped me through countless days like the one I’m about to describe for you sits in a prominent place in our home.  I put it there for a reason.  At least 500 times a day I walk past it and have the constant reminder that I am not in control over much of what happens in this life.  However, I am able to choose how I respond. And that is only by the grace of God.  I most certainly am not able to do any of it in my own power!

Around here we have lots of stormy weather.  I think it all started when Josiah was just about 5 years old.  Seemingly out of the blue, our sweet little guy decided to crank up the noise.  He went from cuddly, loving and curious to becoming explosive almost overnight. Looking back though, those were just heavy rain showers.  As he’s gotten older we’ve endured gale force winds and frequent flash flooding much more often than I’d care to admit.

There were no warnings, no Space City Weather guys preparing us for the impending doom.  It was just us, fumbling our way through with a house full of kids, trying to figure it all out.  Most of the time it was not pretty. Read more…

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ETB 27:  In this episode I talk with Vivecca Hartman, mother of 2 and new grandmother, about life with her 24 year old son Christopher, born with a rare genetic mutation, Leber Congenital Amaurosis. Physically healthy in every other way, his vision and hearing was all that was affected at birth.  Very curious, physically fit and funny, Christopher likes to stay active and keep busy.  He communicates with tactile sign language.  As long as he feels safe, Christopher is a very happy person, very independent within his home.

Vivecca is cofounder of Touch Base: Center for the Deafblind, a nonprofit organization that benefits deafblind people after they graduate from school. Currently, Touch Base is located in Houston, Texas. It is a small organization with a board consisting of parents of deafblind children, experienced staff from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and other dedicated professionals.  The purpose of Touch Base is to provide deafblind men and women with a day habilitation facility where they can participate in organized, meaningful, and purposeful activities.

Vivecca is also a long standing board member for the Lighthouse for the Blind, having served 10+ years.  The Lighthouse of Houston serves 5,000 individuals annually through health and community programs, independent living centers and assisted living facilities.  Of those they employ, nearly 40% are blind or visually impaired. Employees are trained to work in their service or products division.  Their programs and services provide individuals with the ability to live independently and to reach their full emotional, social and educational potential.

Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DMBD) Medicaid Waiver
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/deaf-blind-multiple-disabilities-dbmd

Deaf-Blind Multihandicapped Association of Texas (DBMAT)   
https://dbmat-tx.org/

Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/community-living-assistance-support-services-class.

Texas Medicaid Waiver Programs for Children with Disabilities
https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/insurance-financial-help/texas-medicaid-waiver-programs-for-children-with-disabilities
Phone Number: 1-877-438-5658 

Lighthouse for the Blind
https://www.houstonlighthouse.org/

PPCD
https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en/education-schools/what-is-ppcd

Touch Base Center for the Deafblind
https://www.touchbasecenter.org/about-touch-base

Touch Base: Center for the Deafblind Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/TouchBaseCenter

Connect with Vivecca Hartman
hartmanfam28@sbcglobal.net
1-713- 231-7508

Connect with Sandy
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with an amazing mom,  Andrea Leger. whose second child, Andrew was born 7 weeks premature.  An hour after birth,  she learned Andrew had Down syndrome and was given a very bleak prognosis for his future.  Two days later Andrew was whisked into surgery and during his first few months of life there were some frightening moments.  Initially this young mom felt unprepared and unsure whether she could handle any of it.  She believes God gave her strength to get through it all.  Over the years,  she’s grown much stronger, fully embracing this journey! Andrew, now 23 years old, is delightful and brings joy to everyone he knows.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

It’s Potty Time Video
https://www.amazon.com/Potty-Time-Barbara-Howard-M-D/dp/B00018D4J0

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/