The past few months have been filled with changes and challenges for all of us. On October 25, I said goodbye to my teaching job, and Maddie Jo's last day of school was October 18. We had to make difficult decisions that disrupted what we once thought was a well-laid plan.
Teaching is one of the most demanding jobs, and taking on a position as an adjunct instructor through a local community college, in addition to Life Skills aide, was supposed to be a way to balance being present for the kid's at school, supporting my husband’s schedule and utilize my education and skills. I knew it wouldn’t be easy—I’d need to make lesson plans, grade papers over the weekends, meet students after hours—all for just $300 a month stipend attached to a teachers aide pay, which is not near enough. But I believed it would be worth it if it meant being there for my children.
What I didn't anticipate was how quickly the situation would shift. From day one, my character was questioned, I was threatened by a parent and it got to the point where I feared going to school events to support my own family. I lost sleep at night, replaying every word I said in class, worried it could be twisted and used against me. I feared losing my nursing license from exaggerated scenarios. I couldn’t build genuine connections with my students out of fear, nor could I meet their needs as I wanted to, constrained by policies that prioritized uniformity over compassion. I didn’t know the light that I tried so hard to be for others would soon start to dim. Thankfully, I did have a supportive administration and school board and local officers that has fought for justice for many of the staff that have been victimized.
Maddie Jo’s school experience mirrored mine. In just two months, there were multiple teachers, aids, and private duty nurses, none of whom were equipped, supported or willing to create the consistency she needed. The lack of resources and a caring environment was heartbreaking, and I had to advocate for her endlessly. The weight of it all—the mental and emotional exhaustion—led us to realize that a change was necessary. It wasn’t fair to her, and it wasn’t fair to us as a family.
I gave my two-week notice with no backup plan, placing my faith in God to guide us forward. Medicaid restrictions made it impossible for me to work solely as an aide, given the 40-hour nursing coverage limit and the commute time that ate into those hours. We withdrew Maddie Jo from school the next week and stepped out in faith, trusting God would provide. I am thankful for her last aide and last teacher that truly want the best for their students, it was just to late, too much damage had been done and I had zero trust in the administration at her campus.
Soon after, I was offered another job at a the neighboring district, and I made sure to be upfront about Maddie Jo’s needs. I insisted she would need to be properly settled into her new classroom before I could start. Despite my clarity and multiple follow-ups, the special education department remained silent. We set a deadline, and when it passed without a response, I rescinded my acceptance. I "quit" a job before even starting because of a lack of support in the special education system. This isn’t just my struggle; many parents face the isolation and disheartening reality of raising a special needs child while balancing work.
The next day, I reached out to our zoned school district, a place where I had previously met with staff who genuinely seemed excited to welcome Maddie Jo. The difference was immediate and heartwarming. On Friday, I dropped off her medical supplies and completed her paperwork. On Monday, Maddie Jo and her new nurse will start together, and I’m hopeful for a brighter experience. Her new nurse is amazing and I think they will be the perfect pair.
I’ve decided to not return to work full time, like many special needs parents are forced to, and focus on my kids’ medical and educational needs, supporting them and rekindling the light that God placed in me so I can shine for others again. I would love to return to the school district with the boys and Jeremy one day when Maddie Jo's needs can be met and I can go to school without the mental stress. We will continue to support their school, the sports, the programs, the students, the teachers, staff and the administration.
As a coaching family our "house mood" is pretty dependent on the season we are in. We are now 9 weeks into our football season, which on its own brings its share of stress. The varsity team is currently 1-8. We knew going into this year that we had a young team and that it probably wouldn’t be an undefeated season, but we were excited to watch Biscuit play as the JV quarterback in his freshman year. Unfortunately, his season came to an abrupt end on September 26 when he made a tackle, was stepped on, and broke his hand, which required surgery. Watching him have to sit out and heal has been tough, he’s shown resilience and determination to come back stronger but my heart hurts for him. He should get the pins removed this week and hopefully we will be full healed in time for some basketball. Friday nights are not fun, not to mention navigating multiple non-handicap accessible stadiums that I am not familiar with, but Coach's perseverance doesn't waiver, heading into week 10 and still working 7 days a week to put together the best plan possible for the boys to be successful. Maddie Jo also has a new found love for cheerleading and high school band.In the midst of these changes, on October 16, Jay faced his own battles while navigating college life. Trying to find himself in a new environment brought challenges he hadn’t anticipated, and after an incident that could have ended very tragically, he decided to come back home, refocus on his priorities, and start working. We are profoundly grateful for the people God put in his path that day—my dad and step-mom and long time friends, who helped ensure he made it through until I could get from San Antonio to San Angelo. Over the next 63 hours we prayed that he would return to "normal" again and be the Jay that we sent off to college. I prayed a lot over those 3 days between begging God to not make me bury another child and praying that Jay's heart would be softened and know and understand that he we love him more than he will ever know. We are just normal people, doing our best to raise good human beings, and in an instant, we found ourselves not knowing if our child was dead or alive due to choices made in an attempt to fit in, make friends, and escape the stresses of college life as a freshman who had never been to school without us and barely spent the night away from home. I am so thankful that he is alive today. He has a secured a great job and is working on himself to be the best version he can be.
I share these struggles openly because we are just real people with real battles, facing them with the help of a real and loving God. If one post can reach another mama and make her feel less isolated in her journey, then it’s worth sharing. Satan’s mission is to kill, steal, and destroy, but when two or more gather in prayer, God hears us, and Satan’s plans crumble. He does not have the power to take away or diminish the beautiful life that God has planned for each of us. So, if you find yourself in the midst of hardship, remember that you are not alone, and God’s strength is greater than any challenge we face.
The last four months have taught me that plans may change, but faith and perseverance can guide us through the darkest valleys. If you are in a season of change or struggle, know that you are not alone. Talk to your kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, not just once but over and over and over again. Support your children’s teachers, advocate fiercely for your little ones, and trust in God’s timing. He sees the whole picture when we only see fragments.
If you are in the trenches hold on to this promise. I have repeated it multiple times a day to myself the last few weeks: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28
Thank you for walking this path with us. Your prayers and support mean everything.