Mothers with special needs about how to redefine nursing care as “sacred work” will issue issues that promote behavior to churches.

Jessica Ronne’s journey as a caregiver began on a day when she could break her world.

In 2004, during the appointment of her second child for her second child, her doctor told her that her fetus had experienced a stroke in the uterus. They did not give hope and suggested that she ended her pregnancy and said, “Please start over again.” However, Ronne and her husband refused.

“We got the baby and believed that God’s will will be done,” she remembered.

When Lucas was born on August 12, 2004, Ronne became a “eternal caregiver”. Lucas’s deep disability will require lifelong care. But at that time, she was simply grateful to her miracle baby.

“It wasn’t even a focus on me,” she said.

A few years later, when her husband was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, her world changed again. For three years, they fought cancer while raising four young children, including Lucas. By 2010, 33 -year -old Jess was a widow for raising four children under the age of seven.

However, Ronne discovered an unwavering resilience in this crucible of sadness and responsibility.

“My kids took me out of bed every day. I had to live for them,” she said. “Even if I fill my husband, our children promised that they would not lose two parents. One died and the other was sad.” Found the power to move on each step.

“I just leaned in the Lord, he provided what I needed. It’s enough mana so far, I put one leg in front of me, my child. I was able to continue to live. “

Today, Ronne is a powerful advocate of parent caregiver, and she is a population statistics she says, almost invisible to society. A few years after her husband died, Ronne met Ryan, three father. The two married in 2015, later welcomed their daughter, and took 10 mixed families.

As a founder and executive director of the Lucas Project, she works to provide recognition, resources, and rest to her family.

“I believe that there are many good people around the world if you know what your needs are, but … with these serious obstacles, it became non -language and shouted. Having an action problem, incontinence, and the world is not for us.

“We are isolated at home with these actions, aggressiveness, and incontinence. I often talk to church pastors, but they say,” Our community has these families. No. ” And I say, “Yes, you do, you don’t see them.” The church is not made for these families. No environment has been created for these families. “

Through the Lucas Project, Michigan’s native has developed care packages, resource databases, and support groups. She also talks about the reality of nursing care nationwide and produces films such as “Unseen: How we Mailing Parent Caregivers”.

“We have a tsunami for children with special needs,” she said. “If you don’t intervene in the resource, it will be harmful to society.”

According to Ronne, the church plays a very important role in dealing with these needs, but many congregations are shy for fear of unknown.

“Each child is very different, and the church doesn’t know the location,” she said. “But helping does not need to mean direct care of the child. You can mow, eat, and pick up grocery. The small group in the church is a family. I was able to adopt and learn how to meet their needs. “

She urged the congregation to get out of their comfortable zone. “This is exactly what Jesus did. Please step into the messy and unpleasant space,” she said.

Ronne encouraged other caregivers to regard their work as “holy”, but admit that it was overwhelming. She was overwhelmed by her son’s needs and talked about the moment of frustration while managing the documentary production.

“I felt like Jesus told me,” This is a sacred job. I will be here with what you are doing. ” Taking care of another individual is the most sacred job that we can do this eternal side. “

Her viewpoint is the center of her latest book, grit and grace care. “It’s about seeing nursing care forever,” she says. “We may not see the rewards on this side of heaven, but we live for that” well -done, good and faithful servant. ” “

In February, Luke moved to a group home. This was a decision that Ronne once thought he would never make. “When Lucas was small, I couldn’t imagine he lived with me,” she said. “But as he grew up, his needs became more complicated. It was a transition to us, but he was prosperous. He has gained a lot of skills. I live my best life.

This movement also brought a new peace to Ronne and her family. “The weekends were overwhelming for many years. They are relaxing now. My husband and I can take a nap if I want,” she said. “My job was developed mainly for being a Lucas caregiver for 20 years. It’s a migration period, but it’s also one of the rest.”

With the attention of 16.3 million caregivers in the United States, NATIONAL CAREGIVERS MONTH has urged society to know how to support families with special needs.

“Many caregivers say,” I think they have a wise mentality that no one can do like me. I’m fine, “she said. “It is not OK. We are tired. Providing several rests so that you can step into your situation, provide meals, take a nap, go for a walk, or do something to rejuvenate yourself. So, let people bless you. Jesus also wants it for us. He wants to be our best version for what we care about. “

In a world where caregivers are often invisible, Ronne said that his story and struggle were ultimately recognized. She provided encouragement for the caregiver himself. “I hope the caregiver feels angry, joy, and painful,” she said.

“When you are a caregiver, it’s such a line, because there may be such a fun moment, but there are some such painful moments. In joy and pain tension. Learning is all about the sacrifice.