Double Diagnosis

I never expected to walk the road of special-needs parenting. Like many parents, I had dreams, hopes, and ideas of what our family life would look like. But God had a different story for us—one that has stretched me, refined me, broke me open, and rebuilt me in ways I could never have imagined.

The early days were filled with appointments, evaluations, therapies, and more questions than answers. I remember sitting in parking lots after appointments, trying to be strong during the meeting, only to cry once the car door closed. I felt overwhelmed, unprepared, and isolated. It seemed like everyone around me continued on with life while mine had suddenly shifted in a direction I hadn’t planned for.

There were seasons of searching:

• Searching for clarity

• Searching for resources

• Searching for community

• Searching for someone who understood

And in those moments of fear, exhaustion, and uncertainty, something deep happened in my walk with God.

I discovered that God was not asking me to be strong on my own.

He was inviting me to lean on His strength.

I learned that His presence meets us in hospital rooms, therapy waiting rooms, and in the quiet moments when we’re trying to hold it together. I learned that His Word speaks directly into fear, grief, hope, and perseverance. I learned that He sees every tear, every sacrifice, every sleepless night, and every unseen act of love.

Over time, God began turning my pain into purpose.

He surrounded me with other parents whose stories mirrored mine, and I realized how deeply we all needed a safe place to breathe, to be honest, to be encouraged, and to be reminded of God’s promises. I realized that special-needs parents often carry invisible burdens—emotional, mental, and spiritual—and we need a space where our faith can be strengthened in the midst of our reality.

That is where Sustain Ministries was born.

Sustain is not about having all the answers. It’s not about pretending everything is fine. It’s about creating a space where parents like us can come together and say:

“I see you.”

“I understand.”

“You are not alone.”

“God is with you, even here.”

Through Bible study, community, support, and shared stories, my prayer is that Sustain Ministries becomes a source of hope for families walking similar roads. I don’t come as an expert—I come as a fellow parent who has been held up by God’s grace time and time again.

This journey continues to teach me that strength is not something we muster up—it’s something God faithfully supplies.

And my heart is to help other parents discover that same sustaining strength.