FoC 165: Living a Life of Joy as a Special Needs Parent with Kelly Mantoan

When a huge crisis hits like a devastating medical diagnosis for your child–how do you go on? Is it possible not only to live through this kind of suffering but to truly embrace your life with joy? In her brand new book, Kelly Mantoan shares her story as a mother with two sons who have spinal muscular atrophy. What she shares is vulnerable and real and she never offers the easy, dismissive, or trite answer. Her book Better than OK: Finding Joy as a Special Needs Parent is going to be a gift so many families.

Kelly is one of our all-time favorite people. She’s funny, she’s faithful, and she’s entirely authentic. She’s a mom of five with a popular blog, This Ain’t the Lyceum, where she writes about family life, homeschooling, her Catholic faith, and navigating care for her two sons with SMA. Her life is a witness to the idea that when life doesn’t look how we expect, it can still be full of beauty, joy, and humor alongside grief and difficulty.

In this episode we talk about the stages of grief that must be walked through in order to embrace the lives we’ve been given. Kelly also shares what friends and family can do to support special-needs parents (and what well-intentioned but hurtful things you should never ever ever say to them) as well as about the new ministry she has started, Accepting the Gift. Even if you’re not a parent of a child with special needs, this episode is full of Kelly’s incredible wisdom about embracing your life and how to walk the difficult road of finding joy and hope. We know you’ll love this conversation so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

Sponsor: OSV’s Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children

Bring your family to Jesus through Mary with Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children. Featuring a traditional 33-day preparation for consecration, this book is written and beautifully illustrated to help children ages 3-7 to understand and grow in faith and Marian devotion. Each day includes an image of Mary, a short reflection, and discussion questions to spark faith-filled conversations. Supplementary material for parents helps you lead your family through preparation for the consecration at a pace that works for you. Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children combines magnificent, original Marian art and simple, child-accessible text to immerse your entire family in Mary’s love and care.

Use this book to place your whole family in the care of our Blessed Mother, allowing her to bring each of you closer to Jesus.

Order Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children today at OSVCatholicBookstore.com or wherever books are sold.

We are also sponsored by Walking with Purpose

Walking with Purpose has just released a new Bible study titled “Reclaiming Friendship”–a 6 week dive into God’s purpose and plan for our friendships and we think...