22Q where we make more with less

Raising a Special Needs Child on the Ranch: Savannah’s Story

Life on the ranch is anything but ordinary. It’s full of challenges, triumphs, and moments that demand patience and perseverance. Raising children in this environment comes with its own unique set of joys and struggles. But when you add raising a child with special needs into the mix, the experience becomes a mosaic of emotions, lessons, and faith. Our oldest daughter, Savannah, has 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (commonly known as DiGeorge Syndrome), a condition caused by the absence of 50 genes on her 22nd chromosome. Her journey—and ours—has been one of growth, resilience, and gratitude.

Understanding 22q

22q is an incredibly broad-spectrum condition. On one end of the bell curve, you have children like Savannah, whose high-functioning nature and subtle physical cues led to a late diagnosis. On the other end, there are children facing profound challenges—deformed or missing organs, feeding tubes, schizophrenia, depression, and facial disfigurements. The spectrum is vast, and every child’s experience is unique.

Savannah’s challenges center around social skills, anxiety, and being developmentally about two years behind her peers mentally and emotionally. Yet, in the grand scheme of 22q, we consider ourselves blessed. Savannah is healthy, active, and determined. God’s mercy is evident in her strength and spirit.

Life on the Ranch with 22q

Savannah is a hardworking, passionate, and dedicated young lady who pours herself into everything she does. She’s active in 4-H, where she shines in projects like showing cattle, public speaking, art, cooking challenges, and leadership roles. Her biggest hurdle, however, lies in social interactions. She often misses social cues and, when she realizes it, struggles to recover. Her anxiety amplifies these moments, creating ripple effects for our entire family.

As a family, we’ve learned that mindset and support are everything. Life on the ranch teaches resilience, and Savannah has embraced this. She’s discovered the value of hard work, the beauty of God’s creation, and the importance of community. These lessons help her navigate her challenges with grace and grit.

The Power of Community

We surround ourselves with a strong support system. Our local 4-H club is a shining example. Many of the parent leaders have experience with special needs children and are kind, patient, and understanding. Savannah’s involvement in 4-H has given her a sense of belonging and a platform to grow in confidence and skills.

Our church family is another cornerstone. They’re not just our faith community; they’re family in every sense of the word. Their love, prayers, and encouragement sustain us. They remind us of God’s promises and give us the strength to press on.

A Mother’s Perspective

As a mother, raising Savannah has taught me more about love, patience, and faith than I ever thought possible. The challenges are real, but so are the blessings. I’ve learned to lean on others, trust in God’s plan, and cherish every small victory.

If I could say anything to other moms with special needs kids, first of all, hang in there! God gave you this special baby because you are the best person for the job. You are strong enough, loving enough, good enough, and wonderful enough for them.

Savannah’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and faith. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest moments, God’s grace is sufficient. Life on the ranch may be unpredictable, but it’s also beautiful—a perfect backdrop for Savannah to grow, learn, and thrive.