ABOUT

HI! I’m JoAnn. It’s very nice to “meet” you!

I’m glad you came to visit me here on “Our Special Fun Oasis”! 

My family and I enjoy many fun experiences together. Recreation and travel activities are rewarding to experience, but can also be challenging for a family with a special needs child.

I hope our stories help you, or someone you love, to find enjoyable activities for your special needs child and your whole family! 

Note: This site is for entertainment purposes only. I am not a medical professional and do not offer medical advice. Please check with your doctor before trying any activity. I also use affiliate links and may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click thru a link and make a purchase. Read our Disclaimer and Disclosure and Privacy Notice.

Parenting a special needs child is not always fun. And it feels like you’re living on a deserted island

It’s an understatement to say parenting a special needs child is hard….in fact; it’s really, really hard! 

Many of the issues I deal with as a special needs parent are not common. It can be difficult for friends and family to relate, even when they are being supportive. I feel at times, alone, isolated and out-of-touch with the “mainstream” world, much like being secluded on an island. 

Since having my daughter 15+ years ago, I’ve been stressed-out, anxious and worried over many things… hospitalizations, delayed milestones, school absences/issues, endless therapy, doctor appointments, pain, illness, etc… the list goes on and on! 

Too often, the roller coaster of emotions leaves me little energy to be optimistic and positive. And the grueling schedule can be physically exhausting. 

I’ve experienced more than my fair share of lows and disappointments, much like you. I totally “get it” and I am right there with you!  I hope it’s comforting for you to know that you’re not alone!

Our daughter Caitlin inspires me!

She was a preemie, born at 26 weeks, weighing in at 1lb 14oz. A grade 4 brain hemorrhage at birth resulted in diagnoses of Cerebral Palsy, Hydrocephalus and other medical complications. As she grew older, I soon realized that her developmental delays and physical disabilities were significant.  

She had seizures since birth and they were well managed with medications and the occasional shunt revision. At 9 years old, she was maxed out on medications and the seizures kept getting worse. The best option at this point was to do a hemispherectomy. It was a blessing that she was a candidate for this major brain surgery. However, there were many risks, complications and benefits to consider.  The decision was not an easy one for my husband and me, but we had to trust that it would give her the best chance to get rid of the seizures and improve her quality of life.

The surgery and recovery was a really tough time for our daughter and our family. But now, we are celebrating the miraculous results….she has been seizure-free and medication-free for 6+ years! Since the surgery, her cognitive skills greatly improved. She is more aware and curious about her surroundings. And her desire for social engagement increased significantly. 

She has an upbeat and enthusiastic personality despite all that she’s been through. Her perseverance and determination are simply amazing. Her positive attitude motivates me to kick misery to the curb and find happiness and joy every day!  

Now more than ever, I believe RECREATION, TRAVEL and SOCIAL interactions are essential for her to have the best life possible! 

My daughter’s face lights up when she says, in her own words, “I’ve got something to do” or “I’ve got somewhere to go”! Her eyes brighten with delight. Her cheeks lift from the little grin on her face. She wiggles her body and kicks her feet as she waits in anticipation. When we arrive at our destination, she squeals with joy and says “Get me outta here!” because I can’t get her out of the car fast enough!

For Caitlin, breaks from routine and monotony brings a lot of excitement. I’ve observed that the excitement motivates her in many ways to do things that might not come easily in a more structured setting such as school or therapy appointments. For example, she may speak more words than usual. Sentences flow more freely. Movement is effortless instead of what seems like fighting against a current. Her need to imitate others wills her to try harder. Her desire to help others gives her the extra strength to lift or carry something.

And there is so much more I’ve learned ….

  • Exercise can be done anytime, anywhere. And it can be super fun in an unstructured environment
  • Being surrounded by others gives a sense of inclusion and belonging
  • Engaging in conversation improves her fluency, vocabulary and speech articulation
  • Acceptable social behaviors can be easier to learn (and teach) when there are others to imitate 
  • A stimulating environment with varying sights and sounds can be good feedback for the senses 
  • Experiencing different surrounding offers a change of scenery that is refreshing and sparks curiosity

I understand that not everyone may have a positive experience. But the activities are endless and I hope that you will find that activity that energizes your child! 

Being an active family transforms a deserted island into an Oasis

One definition of “Oasis” is a place or period that gives relief from a troubling or chaotic situation. For me, an oasis is a sanctuary, a place where I can find peace from the stress.  

I’ve written a lot so far about how being active can benefit our special needs kiddos. But the added bonus is that it can help us as parents and the rest of the family too!

  • I feel excited and uplifted when I am helping my daughter in an activity that she loves 
  • I feel relieved and calm when taking a break from everyday monotony 
  • I feel accomplished doing something extra to live a more fulfilled life
  • I feel a sense of purpose encouraging new skills to reach her fullest potential
  • I feel at ease and less stressed when spending time among family and friends

I feel at peace from the stress through special moments shared with my daughter and family. It provides the “Oasis” that is so necessary for my well-being!

Participate to unleash the possibilities

There is an abundance of opportunities for special needs kids to experience joy and success through various activities. It has unlocked potential in our child that we never thought possible! Compassionate individuals and organizations provide activities because they too, care very much for the disabled community. 

Your participation is necessary to sustain and to improve the programs. I encourage you to get involved in at least one if not more activities!

Thanks again for stopping by!  

I look forward to getting to know you better. I hope you’ll find our stories entertaining and inspiring! 

JoAnn