The WV Uncommonplace Podcast invites listeners to join host JR Sparrow as he interviews inspiring people from all walks of life. In this episode, JR Sparrow interviews Colleen Faul, a wife, mother of two rambunctious toddlers, and published children's book author. Colleen also mentors families with children with special needs, as she has a daughter with a genetic disorder. JR and Collen discuss their unique experiences as parents to children with disabilities, and the trying and sometimes heartbreaking process of dealing with their loved ones' conditions. They discuss their journey towards healing and learning to let go of fear and worry, leaning into prayer and focusing on the positive. They also discuss their respective books, God's Precious Gift: A Special Needs Child, and the importance of spreading awareness and educating the public on recognizing medical events in infants and children. They emphasize that parents need to be their child's biggest voice and to fight for them when medical professionals are dismissive of their concerns. Finally, JR and Colleen direct listeners to their websites to read about their stories and get more information about the topics discussed in this episode.
Colleen Keefe Faul is the author of "God's Precious Gift: A Special Needs Child." At 6 months old, Colleen’s daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. Colleen had to learn to become a fierce advocate for her daughter's medical needs, and she now mentors other parents to help them do the same for their children.
Her daughter’s diagnosis pulled Colleen deeper into her faith, where she found consolation in the form of creativity. She was inspired to write a faith-based children's book for the special needs community that was as much for the parents as it was for the children. Her mission is to help members of the special needs community, their loved ones, and their caretakers find peace and joy in God's Will.
https://www.GodsPreciousGift.com/This link is to my author website. There people can purchase my book, read book reviews, read about me, the author, my daughter and her condition, join my mailing list, and reach out to me with questions or mentorship.
[00:00:00] The Power of Resilience: The Journey of Colleen Paul on the West Virginia Commonplace Podcast
[00:03:30] Making a Neurology Appointment for a Newborn with Developmental Delays
[00:07:20] The Importance of Taking Parental Concerns Seriously: The Story of the Protagonist's Daughter.
[00:10:51] Navigating the Diagnosis of Infantile Spasms
[00:14:40] Topic: Coping with a Child's Genetic Disorder and Developmental Delays
[00:18:29] The Main Topic: Parenting and Caring for a Special Needs Child with Love and Understanding
[00:22:22] The Journey of Understanding the Gift of a Special Needs Child
[00:26:09] The Strength of Support: Coping with Grief Together as a Couple.
[00:29:54] The Strength and Healing of a Family in Difficult Times
[00:33:17] Grace and Redemption in Difficult Times
[00:40:59] Agreeing and Disagreeing With Criticism on Self-Publishing
[00:44:40] The Benefits of Creative Pursuits in Growing as an Artist or Creator
[00:48:13] Topic: Self-Publishing a Book and the Journey Along the Way
[00:51:47] God's Love for Children with Special Needs
[00:55:58] Topic: Exploring the Challenges of Parenting a Child with Special Needs
[01:00:16] The Severity of Infantile Spasms and What to Do
[01:03:58] Additionally, the speaker encourages parents to ask for a second opinion if they feel that their child's diagnosis and treatment plan is not sufficient.
[01:11:36] Taking Chances and Overcoming Adversity
[01:15:06] The Power of Love and Perseverance: Teaching it to Your Children