• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

August 12, 2012

Blue Skies, Birthdays and Brenna…Simply Sunday

Blogging is such a strange and wonderful world. You get to form bonds with people you’ve never met. And you know you may never meet them! You connect with each other, feel each other’s pain, joy, heartache, success. You hear their hearts in the words they write and you find yourself inspired to dig deeper in your own life…in your own faith.
This is exactly how we feel about our friend Lynn from Blue Skies.
And that is why we are so thrilled to be welcoming her as our very special guest today on a very special occasion in her life.
Now, please help us welcome Lynn to the Picket Fence!

Brenna’s Birthday
I’ve been invited by Heather and Vanessa to be their guest blogger today. I have to tell you, it comes on a very, very special weekend and I’m so happy to share it with all of you.
Eighteen years ago, my life changed forever.
I wasn’t in a car accident, there was no death in the family, no fire or disaster. All the same my life and the life of my family was altered in ways we would never imagine.
We welcomed a baby into our life, and began down a road we never thought we would walk.
Her name is Brenna.
Oh, the life-altering detour in our lives?
An extra chromosome.
It threw us for a loop, let me tell you. We had no idea. While I was pregnant, I had a strong feeling something was up (it was a difficult pregnancy) and I spent many a night telling God just exactly what I could and couldn’t handle. What road map to follow. If we should go North or South.
Down Syndrome was definitely not on the map of my life.
Fortunately, God doesn’t go by my map.
As this unchartered map was shown to us, we began to see a pattern. Our road was one that was full of people. In the beginning, it was a neighborhood when the girls were little with 17 kids on the cul-de-sac. A place where the girls could thrive, run free during summer nights and Brenna could lock whoever she pleased out of their house and find the Cheetos in their pantry.
 Later on down the road, when we were tired and wanting more for our child and others like her in the realm of school, a team of seven men joined together with my husband to ride bikes across the United States in order to raise money to begin a special education program in a private setting. Really?? Not something I would have EVER imagined sitting in my hospital bed that hot August morning.
As an artist, I have had the privilege of bringing art to my children and their friends, both at home and at school. There’s nothing quite like glue, paint and glitter with a special ed. class. I love it, but I know an aide that struggled every time she saw glitter of any color, and I have a feeling those were not her favorite days. What a blessing to laugh together through those art lessons.
This pattern includes our family, extended family, strangers whose lives have crossed ours and long time friendships. Which is the beauty of Brenna’s roadmap. No one is a stranger to her. There is no prejudice, no being blinded by the culture, (O.K., with the exception of Justin Bieber.) and she has a great sense of knowing people’s character.

I worried so, so much at first. I’m pretty good at it, so I worried about her sister, our life, what would be changed, what wouldn’t go as planned, the vast detours, the health problems, the things we would never do. It’s exhausting, all that worry. It weighs a person down. 

All though I haven’t mastered the art of not worrying, (what parent does??) I have learned that, a. it really doesn’t get you anywhere, b. my child has done far more than I ever dreamed of and, c. when one quits the worrying, the lessons flood in. When the lessons flood in, and they are received, grace enters. Thoughts are changed, hearts are opened, our hands are held open instead of in a closed fist. When our hands are held open in this life…well. 
There is love and commitment. Trust grows. There are things like learning to treasure moments, living in the present and laughter. Some days I close my eyes and take a deep breath, and just stop. My mind travels to the sweetness of her eyes. The sound of her laugh, the opportunities that have come in our life, and I think about things like struggles she has faced. Some she has overcome, some that might never be redeemed. True, there are days when I close my eyes and I am sad. Sad for what isn’t to be, sad for roads she will never take. But strangely enough, when I open my eyes, I look around and see that I’m the only sad one in the room. Brenna’s not sad. Heck no. She’s ready. Ready for the day, the next adventure, being at school, the next summer camp, her next slice of pizza. I’m learning to recognize my own sadness, feel it, express it and  to move on.
As parents, we work HARD. With any child, we strive to help them be successful, we strive to give them confidence, love, a firm foundation. It’s no exception with a child who has special needs. 
The road with them might wind in different directions, but the destination is the same.
Along the way, we are touched deeply. We are reminded to slow down. To love a little more, to let go of preconceived notions. We find out that some things just don’t matter. And the things that really, really do matter? 
Oh, wow.
Those are the spectacular parts of the road: The relationships, the struggles that bring us to our knees or to others for help, the hand that we learn to extend, the love we learn to receive and give; the knowledge and wisdom and compassion we learn and give to others. The beauty in the road here is mind boggling.
Our little family has found their way on this unexpected road,  and we have learned to love fiercely along the way.
A lesson I don’t think we would have learned nearly as well without Brenna’s map.
Many, MANY thanks to Heather and Vanessa for the opportunity to write and share this part of my life, and thank you for taking the time to read and walk a little bit of the journey with me.
Feel free to come by and see what direction we are going at my blog,
Blueskies.

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

23 Comments Filed Under: Good Thoughts, Guest Posts, Simply Sundays

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « It’s Inspiration Friday No. 77…Welcome!
Next Post: Ten Commandments for every blogger… »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. At The Picket Fence says

    August 12, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    Happy, happy Birthday Brenna! We love that we have gotten to know you through your sweet mom. We feel blessed that she shares “you” will all of us! You are an amazing young woman and we’re proud to have you over here at the picket fence today. May you have a birthday every bit as special as you are. Much love,

    Heather and Vanessa

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    August 12, 2012 at 2:04 PM

    Happy Birthday Brenna! I hope your day is filled with joy and lots of fun!!!!

    Reply
  3. Karin Chudy says

    August 12, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    oh my great GOODNESS!! With a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, I wish Brenna the most WONDERFUL daughter in the world!!!!! I love when people can open up their hearts and take something that others would consider bad and turn it into what it is really meant to be….AMAZING!! I have a special needs nephew and I can’t imagine what all of our lives would be without him.. He makes us stronger and better people..Showing us what true love is.
    HUGS to you all.
    Love,
    Karin
    http://www.artisbeauty.net

    Reply
    • Karin Chudy says

      August 12, 2012 at 2:43 PM

      that was suppose to say wonderful BIRTHDAY..but oh well..LOL thats what happens when I type with tears in my eyes!

      Reply
  4. Dawn says

    August 12, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    Happy Birthday Brenna! Hope your day is as beautiful as you are!

    Reply
  5. Bonnie and Trish @ Uncommon says

    August 12, 2012 at 2:52 PM

    Oh….HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET BRENNA!!! What an incredible young lady you are with such a contagious smile!! 🙂 Hope your day is as super special as you are!! 🙂

    Reply
  6. It's All Connected says

    August 12, 2012 at 3:59 PM

    Happy birthday Brenna! I didn’t even know I needed the life lessons that two grandchildren with disabilities taught me. Now, I shudder at my ignorance and am so thankful for everything they do to make me a better person. Sometimes the medicine seems bitter but we need it all the same! Thanks for sharing. ~ Maureen

    Reply
  7. Julie says

    August 12, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    What a beautiful story Lynn…It will stay with me through out our birthday celebration for my Dad today who is 78! Brenna’s eyes are filled with love and her smile beams with happiness! Happy birthday Brenna!

    Reply
  8. Ruby Jean says

    August 12, 2012 at 5:52 PM

    Happy Birthday to your Sweet Brenna!!! Your story has a familiar tone to our own story. Our first son was born with some unknown infection and had to under go a spinal tap in only a few short hours of his newborn life. We were young and inexperienced parents believing that your Expectant baby will be normal and you will go on to live just like every other family. Only to find out that things aren’t going to be the same, you would find yourself thrust into a world of Special Needs and all the Paper work and Programs that go along with it. Our son was considered Autistic and had no language till about 5yrs of age and even then it was audible. I found myself telling the Lord that He promised in His word not to give us more than we can handle and I certainly wasn’t handling this okay. However as the years have gone on and He is now soon to be 16 we find that he has taken us on a journey and have learned more about the Lord and His faithfulness and Perfect will for our lives. We our so very Blessed to have our son Bryce in our lives and stand amazed at this young man who once had no comprehension of who God is let alone the fact that I couldn’t explain we were out of peanut butter for his sandwiches, now stands in FULL knowledge and understanding and has such a Love for the Lord it astounds us. He still struggles with Language and processing but all in all he has achieved more than I ever would have thought possible.
    Blessings to you on this VERY special day!
    Angelina

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    August 12, 2012 at 6:27 PM

    Happy Birthday to a beautiful girl. 18 ia a milestone. I know you are a blessing to your family and friends. To Lynn…you do have a blessing in your lovely child. You are a blessing to others. Your own grace and beauty shine thru. Thank you. Regena in Tn.

    Reply
  10. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    August 12, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    Happy, happy birthday Brenna!!!….What a beautiful person you are…you teach us how to love life itself and to enjoy every moment of the day with an outlook of sheer joy and excitement. Lynn, I so loved this story…it so touched my heart as my grand niece is a special needs child…her mom, my niece, is a Special Ed professor at a prominent university…so God gave her the blessing of this beautiful child….Thanks Heather and Vanessa for this ever so beautiful and heart warming post….truly inspirational.

    Reply
  11. Beth says

    August 12, 2012 at 7:18 PM

    Amazing story (and photos!!) Happy birthay Brenna!

    Reply
  12. Judy says

    August 12, 2012 at 8:12 PM

    What an awesome story. Very inspiring. Happy Birthday Brenna!

    Reply
  13. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    August 12, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    This post blessed me so much, you have no idea.
    Mu husband and I have been discussing the possibility of adopting a down syndrome child, I can’t think of a greater blessing.

    XO,
    Anne

    Reply
  14. Dewdrop Gardens says

    August 12, 2012 at 9:37 PM

    Beautiful story, beautiful pictures, beautiful daughter! Happy Birthday Brenna!!
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  15. NanaDiana says

    August 12, 2012 at 11:27 PM

    What a wonderful, soul-stirring story. My mother’s best friend’s youngest boy was born with Down’s Syndrome. Back then the tried to force her to institutionalize him. She absolutely refused. We had a lot of fun with Bobby when we were kids and although he never learned to talk, or read, or write, he was gifted in Baseball. He could say the names and statistics of every single player, past or present. It was amazing. About the only other words he said was Momma and Lambie (his sister). God bless this family as they walk this path- xo Diana

    Reply
  16. Debby says

    August 12, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    I have a special needs adult son. His story is complicated. But I do understand the sadness of things they will never experience.
    Your sweet daughter is just adorable. SO happy. You are right she isn’t sad. I know she has brought your family alot of joy.

    Reply
  17. Teresa@oursoutherncountryhomeandfarm says

    August 13, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    Happy Birthday Brenna!

    Reply
  18. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    August 13, 2012 at 12:37 AM

    Amazing amazing post and what a beautiful young lady! Happy Birthday Brenna!!

    Reply
  19. Karen says

    August 13, 2012 at 9:40 AM

    What an amazing post! Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter and your ‘map’ with us. Happy Birthday, Brenna!

    Reply
  20. Linda R says

    August 13, 2012 at 1:46 PM

    I have read this story before and it has me all teared up just like the first time I read it.. Happy Birthday Brenna!!

    Reply
  21. Colleen says

    August 13, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    Happies of birthdays to beautiful Brenna!

    Reply
  22. nude massage London says

    August 14, 2012 at 5:43 AM

    Almost in tears because these are so right-on and what needed to hear. you for taking the time to write this and for adding such pretty graphics. This post will be saved and re-read when needed.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

The world's best and easiest black bean and corn salsa from At The Picket Fence

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Our son just turned TWENTY and I can hardly wrap m Our son just turned TWENTY and I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that we’ve completed two decades of parenting! I’ve had time to reflect on this season of life and shared some of my thoughts over at @club31women.

“Someday, years from now, we will watch home movies of the year 2023. And it will seem like I am peeking into the life of another family. I will have vague memories of those moments but my life will be so consumed with what is currently happening that it will seem like another lifetime. So, I embrace this season…this day…this moment. And I choose to declare that the emotional war in my heart between ‘what could have been’ and ‘what might be yet to come’ is over. I’m waving the white flag. I want my children to know that it is good and proper that they grow up and leave the nest. I want them to know that I can celebrate the passing of time rather than resist it even if there may be a few bittersweet tears that spill over from time to time.”

Head over to their devotional page to read the rest and I hope my words bring you encouragement for wherever you are on your parenting journey. 🤍
There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards There’s nothing quite like enjoying the rewards of your labor! The whole family pitched in to get our bark spread around the yard (I’m the master at raking it until it’s nice and even) and by the end of the day we were all done. Now we can head into summer with our big yard projects completed! 🙌🏻 Do you put in fresh bark every year?
Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’ Welcome June! I’m so glad you’re here! What’s your favorite thing about this month? Mind can be summed up in this quote…

“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” John Steinbeck
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom and the principles upon which our country was founded. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables t I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables to pit next to our outdoor couch and when I spotted these plant stands at @walmart from their @betterhomesandgardens line I knew they would be perfect…and they are!! 👏🏻 This is not a sponsored post. I’m just happily sharing this great find and why we should always be open to thinking outside of the box when it comes finding solutions for our decorating dilemmas.

Now we’re ready to head into this beautiful weekend! ☀️
What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence