Start your day with…

A big smile to brighten your day

A dance to keep your spirits ‘up’

A sing-a-long to remind you to relax

A joke to remind you not to take everything so seriously

A positive mindset to inspire others

A grateful heart to remind you that you are special.

Most importantly, start your day with 

God beside you to give you strength, hope, peace and to remind you that you are never alone.

​

Nedz

13 Jun. 22

Appeal to your Generosity

FOOD DONATIONS

I am appealing to your generosity, on behalf of the residents and staff. The residents are all quadriplegics with the exception of one, who is a paraplegic. Quadriplegics who are paralysed from the neck down present with very limited physical movement and they therefore need assistance with most of life's daily tasks. This means that they need 24/7 care. Because we cannot take care of ourselves, we have a large staff corpse of 8 caregivers (who work shifts), a part-time laundry lady, a shop assistant for our charity shop, a grounds man, a driver and a secretary who is also our P A.

It goes without saying that we, residents face many challenges when trying to compete in the open labour market and that most of us are dependent on a government pension of approximately R1890.00 per month.

Despite these challenges, we residents, who are multi-racial, run our own home ourselves, but as you can imagine, we need assistance. Our expenditure amounts to almost R130 000.00 p.m. This is mainly because of the salaries we pay our staff.

As you can conclude from the above, we, as well as our staff, are very dependent on any assistance e.g. food donations that you can offer us.

Having stated our case, we hope that you will consider our merits. We will appreciate any kind of assistance.

Kind regards.

Louis Faber

Chairman

​

23 May 2022

An  Encouraging  Word...

Do you sometimes feel that nobody loves or values you?  Maybe you have a disability or perhaps you have a spouse or child with a disability and you feel that no one knows or understands what you are going through. Or you may just be someone who lost heart and who has just been discouraged by the trials and tribulations of life. If so, take heart from this message that was preached by the Reverend Willem Van der Waal in our church, some years ago.

If we turn to Matthew 13:44-50, we find three parables told by Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven. The first is about a man who finds a treasure in a piece of land. He covers it with soil and goes and sells everything he owns and buys the land in which the treasure is buried.

The second parable is about a merchant who collects pearls. He sees a very valuable pearl and he sells all he has and buys the pearl.

The last parable provides the key to the first two parables: It tells the story of some fishermen who had cast out a net in which they caught all kinds of fish. They then separate the good fish from the useless ones. We are however, told that the ‘fishers’ are not men, but they are angels. The ‘fish’ symbolize the humans who will be separated into two groups. Those who were bought by the blood of Christ and those who did not accept the sacrifice of Christ and therefore were not bought but, were cast away.

If we now turn to the first two parables, the ‘treasure’ and the ‘pearl’ seems to be the Kingdom of Heaven that we should pursue by giving up everything, and yes, there certainly is room for this interpretation. There is, however, another interpretation: None of us have really given up everything. The only one who has given up ‘His all’ was Christ Himself. Therefore, the fellow who found the treasure and the merchant can be seen as God the Father who gave up His everything, His only Son, to buy us, the treasure and the pearl. The saying goes:” Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.” A stamp in itself is a worthless piece of paper but, to the collector it is priceless. God looks at us and thinks:” What is he/she worth to me? Everything! I will pay Jesus for him/her.” This is mind boggling that God loves us to that extent.

So take heart! In the sight of God you are very precious. He loves you with a reckless, never-ending love.  You are a beloved child of God!

God bless.

Hercie

11 May 2022

Chuckles from our Shop

Our shop assistant was on maternity leave. One month after she had given birth someone asked how she and the baby were doing.

“Very well!”, Louis replied. “The baby already has teeth and is running around.”   🤣🤣🤣

                                                  **********

We sometimes, when we had a big sale, sold a dustbin bag to customers.

Louis then once asked the relief shop assistant:” Do we still have black bags?”

“Yes”, she replied, “those white ones.”😂😂😂  

                                                  **********

Louis once said to a customer:” We have a special today. You take two and pay for three!”🤣🤣🤣

​

                                                 **********

Hercie

04 May 2022

Find  Your  Purpose!

Find your purpose

Find your peace

Make a difference

Make a change

Touch someone’s life

Touch with kindness and love

Lead the way

Lead with confidence

Share your knowledge

Share your strengths

Never lose faith

Never doubt God’s love for you

Follow His plan for you

Follow with an open mind

Remain positive

Remain strong

YOU WLL FIND YOUR PEACE

        only when

YOU FIND YOUR PURPOSE.

Nedz

27 Apr 2022

​

Raising a child with disabilities

Part 7

We now finally come to the topic of formal education for the child with a disability. The first question that springs to mind is: Should my child enter mainstream education or special education? I would say that every child should be considered on his/her merit. A child may have the intellectual capacity to enter mainstream education, but he/she may be physically slower for instance, in writing or using a computer and may for that reason fall behind especially when the classes are overcrowded. Another reason why special education should be considered is that when a child with a disability is intellectually strong, he/she is more likely to develop leadership skills in special education than in mainstream education where he/she would have to compete with able- bodied peers. In some special education schools learners are permitted to work at their own pace and their own level. e.g. They are able to do grade 6 English, but grade 4 Mathematics and grade 3 Afrikaans. They are then not kept behind because of their Afrikaans, but they are allowed to progress in their other subjects.

Bullying may be another reason why special education should be considered.

On the other hand, if your child is intellectually strong and the subjects in the special school or even the extra-mural activities do not meet his/her needs, by all means, try mainstreaming.

Home schooling is, of course, also an option, but should, in my opinion, only be considered as a last resort. Socialising and developing social skills are vital for a child with a disability. In a sense this is even more important than formal education. You will not always be there to care for your child or to fight his/her battles. He/she has to learn to do this on his/her own as far as this is possible.

This brings me to the topic of tertiary education: Should this be considered? My answer to this is a definite ‘ Yes!’. If the child has the ability and the means are available, go ahead! Besides the fact that this develops further social skills, it also broadens the child’s or student’s horizons. Tertiary education should therefore be encouraged even if he/she will not be employed.

In conclusion, it brings me to the question: What if my child cannot be educated due to physical or intellectual disability? My answer to this is: Take it day by day and enjoy your child. Nobody knows what the future holds, but God does. Trust Him. Today is so much more important than tomorrow!

Hercie

20 Apr 2022

Raising a child with disabilities

Part 6

Now that we have discussed the external topics like clothing, we need to turn to relationships.  As mentioned before, the core family (parents and siblings) is the first society that any child meets with.  Therefore, especially mom needs to talk and play with baby right from the word go.  Dad should also play his part, while siblings should also be involved e.g., fetching clothing for baby, when the brother or sister is young.  The questions of younger siblings should be answered simply, giving only the information that they required.  Questions should, however, never be ‘pooh-poohed’.

As the child grows older, the siblings will learn to play with their brother or sister.  This should be encouraged.  It should, however, be kept in mind that siblings should be allowed their own friends and activities.  They should not be overburdened with their sibling who has a disability.  Having said this, though, it is also true that the friends of siblings sometimes become friendly with the brother or sister with a disability of their friends and may include him or her in their company or play.

This then brings me to family friends:  It is good for the child with a disability to interact with his/her friends at school during the school day or even after school, should he/she be in a special school.  However, family friends should include families with normal children who would hopefully accept their peer with a disability.  In this way the latter will begin to prepare for later in life when he or she will not (only) be surrounded by peers with disabilities. Of course, there is the risk that normal friends may outgrow the friendship of their friend with a disability and move on.  This then could be very painful for the one left behind.  Once again though, this prepares our children for life.

As far as hobbies and toys are concerned, they can also be instrumental in encouraging socialising.  It is sometimes worth the while to purchase (expensive) toys, even if your child is not able to play with it because it will encourage mates to visit.  Hobbies that can be considered where appropriate, are music, whether it be to listen to or playing a musical instrument, painting, pottery, puzzles, and of course, computer games are very popular, though I would not recommend those.  Reading should be encouraged in all children, and in some cases even writing should be encouraged.

Pets can also relieve loneliness.  They should preferably be lap dogs, cats, budgies, or cockatiels, goldfish and even pot plants can bring joy!

I believe that if one had a happy childhood; one is more prepared to face life than one is when your childhood was an unhappy one!

Hercie

14 Apr 2022

Raising a child with disabilities

Part 5

Growing up is hardly easy for any of us and it also is not simple or easy for the child with a disability. He/she often very soon finds out that he/she is different. This realisation sometimes comes suddenly and with a shock. Mostly though when the child is born with a disability the realisation of this fact grows gradually. Most children with disabilities, and even some parents, believe that they will be normal. It is difficult to be prescriptive as to whether this dream should be discouraged. It depends on the nature and even the mental capacity of each child. Surely it should not be a rude awakening to reality, but a gentle and subtle ushering into adulthood.

In this respect faith in Christ can be and is indispensable. If one can, lead one’s child to believe that he/she is special to Jesus who has a special purpose with their lives which He will reveal as they go along. 

However, being special means that Mom and Dad love you very much, but it does not mean that you should be spoilt.

Because the family: Dad, Mom and brothers and sisters are the first community, in which the child finds itself, the rules of this society should as far as possible be “What is good for the goose is good for the gander”. This should be especially so as far as discipline is concerned. It is also the case as far as routine, family meetings, etc. are concerned.

Having said this however, it does not mean especially in the case of older children, that if one of the siblings needs something that all the others should have it too.

Then again as far as clothing is concerned, it is often advised that our child should be dressed in tracksuits and/or in a larger size than is applicable, because it makes dressing our child easier for mom. This may be so, but don’t make a clown or a Cinderella of your child. Do not stress the fact that they are different.

A few tips which may come in handy are:

A bib of the same fabric or colour as the shirt or top for those who are inclined to dribble (drool) will make this problem less obvious. Two of the same pair of pants will also prevent embarrassment when trousers or shorts need to be changed after an ‘accident’ especially in the case of teenagers who are usually very sensitive in this regard. Shoes or boots of those who have difficulty walking should be tied firmly to support the ankles. It however, should not be tied too tightly, for this will interfere with the blood circulation. In some cases, slip-ons or shoes with valcro may do the trick, while shoes should in some cases have rubber soles to prevent slipping and in other cases the soles should be smooth to make it easier to drag the feet along.  

This brings me to another topic which links up with the above mentioned. Always treat special need children with dignity; even if they do not have the mental capacity to understand. Close the bathroom door when they are using the bathroom and do not discuss sensitive topics (e.g. bedwetting) with everybody. It is even worse to ridicule the child about such sensitive issues. This can lead the child to think that he/she is inferior because of his/her disability.

There are unfortunately many pitfalls, but take heart, you are the parent and most of the time you are the one who knows what is best for your child!

Hercie

04 Apr 22

Raising a child with disabilities

Part 4

As time goes on the baby grows into a toddler.  Movement and mobility become important.  Milestones – e.g., sitting, crawling, walking etc.- may be reached later or not even be reached at all. It is important to encourage whatever movement is possible e.g. propping baby up with pillows to encourage him/her to sit up.  The baby can also be put on a carpet and be encouraged to roll or sail on the stomach.

Just like in the case of any other baby, the senses of the baby with a disability should be developed to the optimum.  This can be done by hanging mobiles on the cot within the baby’s view, using rattles for baby to listen to and/or having him/ her touch or hold (when possible) soft toys.

From the age of 18 months potty training should start.  In some cases, it will be later, but it should not be left for too long.  It is important to find a potty or a commode on which the child feels safe.  This can then be kept in the bedroom or in the bathroom, for the sake of siblings, if they share a bedroom with their little brother or sister.

In this matter it is once again important to lay down a routine; especially when it comes to bowel movement.  Most people prefer to go immediately when they get up or after breakfast.  With our trainee it is important to make sure that he or she is comfortable and then be left a while, even if he or she cries during the first few attempts.  However, after about twenty minutes, if nothing happened, the child should be taken off as prolonged sitting can cut off the blood circulation or even cause pressure sores.  If the desired result did however, occur, the child should always be rewarded with praise and a hug. Some children will only be able to do bowel functioning in bed.  For this, even laxatives may be needed, while a few linen savers are also necessary.

As far as bladder control is concerned; if the child is not able to voice his or her need, he or she should be taught same gesture e.g. patting the tummy or even sticking out the tongue.  It also, of course helps to sit the child down after a while after he or she had a drink.  It is important to teach the child not to wait until the last minute before he or she makes the need to go, known.

Some of the special schools will also be able to assist you in the instance of potty training.

I wish you the best of luck and success in achieving this important milestone!

Hercie

28 Mar  22

Raising a child with disabilities

Part 3

Having looked at a support system for the parents, let us now turn to the parental home and the way we live.  This is a topic with many facets, and I will only be able to touch on it.

The infant with a disability might cry often and even continuously.  It is important to make sure that there are no other health problems that need to be taken care of apart from the disability.  It is also important to attend to the baby when it cries, handling it calmly and firmly.  When you are anxious your baby soon will sense it, and this will worsen the situation.  Talking and singing to the baby in a soothing voice may calm him or her.  Distracting his or her attention with a soft toy may also do the trick.  Playing soft, light, classical music can also have a calming effect.

Crying at night can, as we all know, be exhausting.  This can be even more so in the case of a child with a disability. Some moms prefer to have their babies in the parental bedroom.  In this way mom can hear the baby cry sooner and it also saves her from walking to and fro.  If possible, mom and dad and/or Granny and Nanny can take turns in caring for the little one at night.

It is good and actually imperative to have a routine with set feeding times, a set daily bath time and enough time for baby to sleep.  Although the home should not be noisy while baby sleeps, it should not be altogether quiet either.  The radio or TV can play softly.  Other family members need not whisper or tip toe.  Getting baby acquainted with a certain amount of noise, prepares him/her for an afternoon or evening out. Diapers should also be changed quickly and regularly.

Part of baby’s routine might be to go for treatment as an outpatient at a special school.  This may be physiotherapy and/or occupational therapy.  It is very important that treatment should be started as soon as possible.  Most special schools with nurseries allow toddles to enter at the age of 2½ years.

​

Next week we will continue with this topic, touching on discipline, clothing, hobbies, and socialisation.

Hercie

21 Mar 22

Raising a child with disabilities

Part 2

Now that we have discussed the emotions surrounding the child with a disability, we are ready to look at the way ahead. After a child has been diagnosed, one should look for a support system.  We can for instance look at the most obvious first:  the extended family.  Grandparents, uncles and aunts, older siblings, or cousins, may be willing to help and matters should be discussed with them.  A sympathetic domestic worker can be a huge help and can become a caregiver.  Usually, she strongly bonds with the child.

Outside the family a church community or support from the neighbourhood should also be sought.  Sometimes it takes a village to raise a child.  This is even more true of a child with a disability.

Often the doctor or other medical personnel can put you in contact with a special school where professional advice can be found.  This will also provide the opportunity to meet parents of other children with disabilities who can walk alongside you and with whom you can exchange ideas and advice.

Special schools usually have a professional team which consists of psychologists, medical specialists, speech therapists, occupational and physio therapists.  These professionals will also be able to support and advice you.

Also bear in mind that one can consult good books or articles on most conditions or topics.  These are at hand and can also be obtained from the internet, although one should carefully consider the material that we find there and not be gullible.

Lastly, but definitely not least, we should pour out our hearts before our Heavenly Father.  He will always listen, comfort, and advise us.  Sometimes he wants us to pray so that He can give us advice or so that He can “change” us to see things differently.  He is our Councillor who will be with us until the end of time!

Hercie

09 Mar 2022

Raising a child with disabilities

Part 1

I once listened to a radio interview with a father of a child with cerebral palsy who remarked: “The child who was supposed to boost my ego, crushed it!”  Hang on!  Before we judge or condemn, think how much courage this much have taken to say this on air.  He was blatantly honest.  His dreams and ideals were shattered, and he might have been afraid to have more children.  Some fathers of children with disabilities even say: “This is not my child!”  (Of course, these days this can be proven).  The first thing that comes to mind is: “Are these feelings permitted?  And are they normal or am I a freak?”  Yes, they are normal, and they are allowed because feelings are not right or wrong; they are simply the way you feel.  They are part of the mourning process which differ in length from individual to individual.  Some people mourn up to five years.  However, if the process continues for more than a year, it may be wise to seek (professional) help as this can also be harmful to the child.

Then brings up the next question:  Why me?  Why my child? Is God punishing me?  Is He angry at me for some or other sin that I committed?  This is also a part of the mourning process.  The short answer to this is:  If it were a punishment for sin, then just about every family should have a child with a disability.  All of us are sinful.  God in His mercy gave His only Son to die in our place and if we accept this, we are set free.  Does this mean that everything will be plain sailing; that we will be happy, rich and healthy?  No, it does not!  Christ Himself said: “That we will have difficulties in the world, but we should not loose heart for He has overcome the world! (John 16:33b)

Why then does God allow this?  Or is this His will?  There is of course not only one answer to this, nor are the answers simple.  God sometimes uses difficult circumstances so that we can support others who have similar circumstances.  What I do know for certain, however, is that God is no sadist.  In the words of Rick Warren, God never wastes a hurt.  God is right there in our pain.  On the cross Christ called out: “My God why has Thou forsaken me, so that God will never forsake us! (Hebrews 13:5).  Jesus welcomed children saying: “Suffer the little children unto me”.  He did not exclude children with disabilities.

As time goes by, may you realise you do not only have a child with special needs, you have a special child!

Hercie

28 Feb 2022

Take a Moment!

Take a moment

To see the beauty surrounding you,

To see the brightness of God’s creations.

Take a moment

To hear sounds of movement,

To hear sounds of laughter.

Take a moment

To smell all scents around you,

To smell the fresh air.

Take a moment

To feel the morning breeze,

To feel the warmth of the sun on your face,

Take a moment

To enjoy your surroundings,

To appreciate your Life,

To express your gratitude,

To realize you are blessed.

         So YES,

LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH!

​

Nedz

21 Feb 2022

Happy, Positive and Free

Complain, complain, complain!

Critisize, critisize, critisize!

Curse, curse, curse!

Oh, Negativity…

Why try to ruin my day?

I woke so happy and gay.

Why try to dampen my mood?

That’s not cool, dude.

Why spoil my fun?

Is your life so meaningless and without sun?

Why try to destroy my dreams?

It’s you that’s crumbling, it seems.

Why try to instil my heart with fear?

Don’t you see I have loved ones so dear.

​

Oh, Negativity…

Just let me be.

You have no power over me

For with my GOD I am HAPPY, POSITVE and FREE!

​

Nedz

31 Jan 2022