On a daily basis,as Parents to kids with Special Needs we help, advocate, share, protect and learn.
All of us as parents go above and beyond for our children, but, those of us that have been given the gift of learning how to do this with a child that doesn’t take the same road need a moment of “KUDO’S”!
So, here goes! I hope you all enjoy this, we deserve it! A list of the things I feel being a “Special Parent” teaches me every day, which in the end, teaches my whole family and all that are close to us:
* Empathy & Understanding:Being the mom that has a child that can create a scene while out, I am so aware of not making others feel uncomfortable in social settings,if anything I will try to divert attention off of someone to help ease that wish and want to “become invisible”.
*Courage: I wasn’t always so able to step out of my comfort zone, now I have no choice. I have gained the ability to do things I wouldn’t have before. I use to struggle with what I could do with Marky, could he go to a movie, attend a play, now I try it and we get through it together .
* Kindness: Those random acts of little things that can make a person smile for days after, I take that time to try to make a difference , no matter how small it may be. A smile, a door being held or remembering to say thank you to the person who loaded your car with groceries.
* Listening: Not just to words, but the actions and feelings shown, so much is said without ever talking.
* Perspective: This is a big one, I am aware of our daily struggles and challenges with Marky and they are our challenges, some will say our’s are easier than what they face, others will feel our’s are mountains to climb. Bottom line, it is our’s to continue to learn with and we will. I wish the same for others.
* Balance: I haven’t mastered this by any means but I am so acutely aware of the need to have each member of our family have some alone time to escape some of the daily stressors.
* Advocate: For anyone in my life, I will speak up , speak to and gather resources to get the job done! You really want me on your team.. I am a bulldog! 🙂
*Simple Pleasures: I wasn’t really sure how to title this, but I have learned how something so small , that maybe wouldn’t have phased you with a typical child, becomes huge with a Special Needs child. Marky telling us he “doesn’t know”, when asked a question, is huge. We typically get a yes or no. . This has taught my girls and extended family as well all about…….
*Acceptance: As a Special Needs Family we all learn every day and as tough as it may be, we are a more gentle, empathetic and aware unit than we would be if we didn’t have Marky to teach us how ! We are blessed with this gift of learning and teaching. I see it with both of my daughters friends that come to our home, they have learned some of the ways to incorporate Marky into playing, they stand up for him at school and look out for him when we are out. These are skills that all of us want our children to have, and I see now how Marky is teaching us all!
I could go on with this list of qualities, but my eyes are too full of happy tears!
Take a moment to comment what you have learned from a Special Needs Child, we would love to know.