growth – Christy Wilkens

Why perfection is a worthy goal for kids with disabilities

We are all called to perfection, and we are all imperfect, even those of us with typically developing bodies and minds. The perfection we are called to is not flawlessness. It is to complete the work of being perfectly ourselves, to become completely the person God has created us to be.

Just as I am, and as I might be

We must love our children exactly as they are, exactly as God created them. We must also love them so much that we desire and help them to grow beyond this.

What your grandma meant by “offer it up,” and how to make your life a gift to the world

You’ve probably heard the phrase “offer it up” as a super-Catholic, sometimes flippant response to life’s problems. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually means, this is the post for you.

How to manage your special needs grief (without letting it own you)

A couple months ago an unexpected wave of special needs grief hit me like a ton of bricks during Mass. Here’s why, and here’s what I did about it.

How we (fake) toddler Montessori at home with a special needs child

A peek into Oscar’s new big boy, Montessori(-ish) play space. What we love about Montessori is that it empowers him to take ownership, to easily express his preferences, and to engage with his environment and his family.

Different gifts, same spirit

We evolve as individual beings — not from incompleteness to a finished product, but from one wholeness to another.

#7QT: Seven things about the first (normal) week of school

Ever wondered how we do what we do? Here’s a #7QT look (Seven Quick Takes) at a typical week in the life of Team Wilkens.

The courage to risk failure

That time I took a test for college credit and almost shot myself in the foot out of fear of failure…

#7QT: 7 thoughts about writing a book

To celebrate a finished first draft, I share some answers to common questions I’ve received about writing a book, and a few tips and tricks from the writing journey of a total noob.

Fully Known

I berate myself (and others) for not knowing better, seeing better. But there is only one who Knows us as we are meant to be known, and loves us anyway.