Grace in the Unexpected - navigating disability parenting

Peter’s Origin Story

In this episode, we’re joined by Cheyenne Mellor to share Peter’s origin story—a journey shaped by unexpected turns, deep love, and the purpose that unfolds even when life does not go according to plan.

Cheynne also opens up about her journey of sharing Peter and their family’s life on social media: what inspired her to begin, why it has become so important to their family, and the impact it has had along the way. Through honest storytelling and vulnerability, she shares how inviting others into Peter’s story has helped create connection, understanding, and a meaningful community of people who truly “get it.”

We talk about the moments that have shaped Peter and their family, the realities behind the story, and the strength found in continuing forward through the unknown. This conversation is a reminder that sharing our stories can help other families feel less alone—and can build a community rooted in compassion, advocacy, faith, and belonging.

As Proverbs 19:21 reminds us:

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man,but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”

Connect with Cheynne and follow the Mellor family’s journey:

• ​ YouTube: The Mellor Family (https://youtube.com/@themellorfamily?si=S7Mnc3H6eBNkxCoF)
• ​ Instagram: @the.mellors (https://www.instagram.com/the.mellors?utm_source=qr)
• ​ Facebook: The Mellors (https://www.facebook.com/share/1DE1hsdeBu/?mibextid=wwXIfr)

In this episode, Emily and Morgan talk about the powerful role the church can play in the lives of special needs families. We share our personal experiences of churches that have loved and served not only our disabled children, but our entire family—showing us what it truly looks like to live as the body of Christ.

Together, we reflect on Matthew 19:13–15, where Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me… and do not hinder them.” We discuss why it matters to find a church that welcomes families as Jesus welcomed: with compassion, belonging, dignity, and a place to grow in faith.

We also talk about the resources and ministries available to help churches build or strengthen disability ministries, so more families can experience genuine inclusion and support in their faith communities.

https://alittleextralove.com

If you are a special needs parent looking for a church home, a church leader wanting to better serve families, or someone who wants to understand what meaningful inclusion can look like, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of intensive therapy—what it is, why so many families are turning to it, and how it’s impacted Grasley and Madeline’s journey in ways we never expected.

We break down the difference between intensive therapy and traditional weekly sessions, and why that distinction matters when you’re fighting for progress. From the structure and frequency to the outcomes we’ve seen, this conversation is both practical and deeply personal.

We also share how we first discovered Now I Can and how that experience opened the door to a whole new approach to therapy for our family. Along the way, we reflect on Proverbs 16:9—“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps”—and how that truth has guided us through each decision, pivot, and leap of faith.

Funding these therapies can feel overwhelming, so we talk honestly about that piece too—what we’ve learned, what’s helped, and resources that may support your family.

Here’s a list of the resources and therapy centers we discussed in this episode:

• Now I Can — https://www.nowican.org/

• All Kids Are Perfect — https://allkidsareperfect.com/

• LEAF Pediatric Therapy — https://www.leafpediatric.com/

• Fortis Therapy Center — https://fortistherapycenter.org/

• Ascend Pediatric Therapy — https://www.ascendpedstherapy.com/

• Centre of Movement (Australia) — https://www.centreofmovement.com.au/

If you’re exploring intensive therapy or wondering if it’s the right next step for your child, this episode offers both insight and encouragement from our lived experience.

For families navigating funding and advocacy support, we also mention:

• Advocacy Abby — https://www.advocacyabby.com/apply

This is a conversation about hope, hard decisions, and trusting the path as it unfolds—one step at a time.

In this powerful episode of Grace and the Unexpected, Emily shares her deeply personal testimony of faith, surrender, and the life-changing journey of adopting Grasley.

What began as an uncertain path unfolded into a story only God could write—one marked by trust, resilience, and the undeniable truth that His ways are higher than our own.

Through moments of doubt, hope, and divine provision, Emily reflects on how God’s plan exceeded anything she could have imagined. Her story is a moving reminder that even in the unexpected, grace meets us right where we are—and leads us exactly where we’re meant to be.

Grace in the Unexpected is a podcast hosted by Emily and Morgan—where faith meets real life right in the middle of the unexpected.

In this powerful episode, Morgan shares her personal testimony—an honest and heartfelt look at her family’s journey navigating a child with disabilities and medical complexities. Through her story, you’ll hear how God’s grace showed up in ways she never expected, bringing strength, perspective, and purpose through every season.

From the weight of diagnosis to the quiet victories no one sees, this conversation is a reminder that even in life’s hardest chapters, grace is never absent—it’s often just waiting to be noticed.

If you’re walking through something difficult, searching for encouragement, or needing a reminder that your story still matters, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Revelation 21:4-5

[4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

[5] And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Find us on Facebook and Instagram, and join the community.

https://www.instagram.com/mighty.madeline?igsh=MXJrancxbWk5NWthNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.instagram.com/grasley.girl?igsh=eHJlbDl3MnRmZHN3