Couple’s Demographics
I was fortunate enough to meet Lynn through a close friend of mine. Close to two years ago, Jennifer called asking for my help. Her cousin Lynn had a child recently diagnosed with Autism and was looking for someone to connect with. I agreed to meet Lynn for coffee and we instantly hit it off, not just because we are both mothers of children with Autism, but we seemed to have similar personalities, values, and would go to the ends of the earth for our families.
Throughout the past few years, I have come to know a few details about Lynn’s personal life. She has been married to her husband, Rodney, for 10 years. Rodney works as a car salesman for an Audi dealership and Lynn is currently a stay at home mom to their daughter, …show more content…
With their limited childcare options, we decided to meet on Rodney’s day off during school hours. I met up at their local Panera and what I anticipated as a quick one hour or less interview ended up lasting a little over two hours, but was filled with tons of laughs and reminiscing of the good old days. Before our scheduled interview, I emailed Lynn and Rodney Chapman’s 5 Love Languages quiz (Chapman, 2010) and asked that they both print out their results to discuss during our meeting.
I started out the interview with questions geared towards how and when the couple initially met. Having been friends with Lynn for the past few years, I already knew she wouldn’t mind answering any questions I asked, but I wanted to make sure Rodney was comfortable and had a chance to tell his story. While somewhat shy, Rodney lights up when talking about his relationship with …show more content…
While raising, children is a difficult time consuming task, raising twins is even greater. Especially, when both twins have significant challenges. Rylie, their daughter, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder over two years ago and her brother, Jayden, suffers from severe anxiety and OCD. This adds a tremendous amount of stress to the household and their relationship. The couple juggles bringing the kids to therapy, doctors’ appointments, and school meetings. Lynn often is the parent fulfilling this tasks and the burden has taken its toll on her health. Rodney believes the most challenging aspect of their relationship is the high anxiety his wife has developed with the added strain over the last few years. Lynn says she often feels over whelmed and has no family help to call on when she needs a break. It is often difficult for her and Rodney to have any time together. Both parents are exhausted after putting the kids to bed and often go to bed early, especially with one parent having to get up nightly to stay with Jayden who has not had a full night’s sleep in over 3 years. Rodney talked about his love for his children and how much he respects Lynn for all that she does with the children, but he does wish he could ease some of her stress and have some quality time with
I was fortunate enough to meet Lynn through a close friend of mine. Close to two years ago, Jennifer called asking for my help. Her cousin Lynn had a child recently diagnosed with Autism and was looking for someone to connect with. I agreed to meet Lynn for coffee and we instantly hit it off, not just because we are both mothers of children with Autism, but we seemed to have similar personalities, values, and would go to the ends of the earth for our families.
Throughout the past few years, I have come to know a few details about Lynn’s personal life. She has been married to her husband, Rodney, for 10 years. Rodney works as a car salesman for an Audi dealership and Lynn is currently a stay at home mom to their daughter, …show more content…
With their limited childcare options, we decided to meet on Rodney’s day off during school hours. I met up at their local Panera and what I anticipated as a quick one hour or less interview ended up lasting a little over two hours, but was filled with tons of laughs and reminiscing of the good old days. Before our scheduled interview, I emailed Lynn and Rodney Chapman’s 5 Love Languages quiz (Chapman, 2010) and asked that they both print out their results to discuss during our meeting.
I started out the interview with questions geared towards how and when the couple initially met. Having been friends with Lynn for the past few years, I already knew she wouldn’t mind answering any questions I asked, but I wanted to make sure Rodney was comfortable and had a chance to tell his story. While somewhat shy, Rodney lights up when talking about his relationship with …show more content…
While raising, children is a difficult time consuming task, raising twins is even greater. Especially, when both twins have significant challenges. Rylie, their daughter, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder over two years ago and her brother, Jayden, suffers from severe anxiety and OCD. This adds a tremendous amount of stress to the household and their relationship. The couple juggles bringing the kids to therapy, doctors’ appointments, and school meetings. Lynn often is the parent fulfilling this tasks and the burden has taken its toll on her health. Rodney believes the most challenging aspect of their relationship is the high anxiety his wife has developed with the added strain over the last few years. Lynn says she often feels over whelmed and has no family help to call on when she needs a break. It is often difficult for her and Rodney to have any time together. Both parents are exhausted after putting the kids to bed and often go to bed early, especially with one parent having to get up nightly to stay with Jayden who has not had a full night’s sleep in over 3 years. Rodney talked about his love for his children and how much he respects Lynn for all that she does with the children, but he does wish he could ease some of her stress and have some quality time with