The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 4th Issue | Page 14

Kerith Stull
Kerith Stull is married
to her high school sweetheart and has been a stayat-home mom to their
two daughters since they
were little. Kerith blogs
about special needs parenting at brielleandme.
net. Her memoir, Brielle
and Me: Our Journey
with Cytomegalovirus
and Cerebral Palsy, is
about her family’s journey of hope, determination, love, and faith with
a special needs daughter.

BrielleAndMe.net

Please tell us more about your family.
My husband, Brian, and I have been married for nearly 25 years.
Our 20-year-old daughter, Ashley, is a college student studying
business and already has her own very successful Etsy business making stamped metal jewelry and other things. Brielle, our disabled
child, is 18 years old and a senior in high school. She is a complete
joy and her smile simply demands your attention. We’ve moved five
times in our marriage because of my husband’s executive job at a
major company, but are now living in a northern suburb of Atlanta.

Thinking about your journey raising a child with
special needs, can you elaborate on this comment: “I
wish I knew then, what I know now!”?
Oh my goodness. So many things come to mind. First of all, it’s ok
to grieve and know that it will happen often. Keep researching and
finding ways to help your child. Gather your tribe of supportive
friends and family. Keep loving on your husband and other children. Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your finances and legal
matters. Be an advocate. Find activities for your child. Don’t baby
your child. Plan ahead (for everything). Find your purpose. And,
most importantly, simply keep a positive spirit.

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