Remember the moment you found out that you were going to be a part of the best club you never wanted to be part of? I have a hard time describing what that is like to other people sometimes. It was like my whole life shattered in an instant. Everything I thought my life would be, my dreams for my family, for my kids, even for the future my husband and I would share together changed. It felt like my life was over. I know that sounds a bit dramatic to some, but that is what it felt like to me. No one dreams of bringing home their sweet baby with tubes and wires or having IEP meetings with the school or running to endless appointments with doctors and therapists or watching as other kids reach milestones your child will never reach. That isn’t the dream. But, I’ve also come to know it isn’t a nightmare—though it certainly can feel like one at times. On the whole, this has been one of the best journeys of my life. It hasn’t been the easiest, the most fun or the most glamourous, but it has been glorious. I’m not the same person I was before my daughter was born. My compassion for people is different. My awe over simple things like walking, talking, and breathing is permanent instead of fleeting. My gratitude for one more day is more consistent; my joy in my child’s accomplishments magnified.
This is a blog about all things special needs—especially for moms. I won’t complain if dads, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, or anyone else comes along for the ride—the more the merrier! But, moms this is for you! I’m (not) an expert on how to survive as a special needs mom. I’m still in the fight just like you are. But I’m here! I’m still fighting! I have made it this far and you can too! You are not ALONE!!!!! Parenting a child with special needs can be SO lonely!! It is hard, exhausting work and most of it happens where no one else can see it. I want you to know that someone sees you! Someone sees you awake at every hour of the night, dealing with the tantrums because your child can’t communicate, providing the medical care that you have come to know, crying yourself to sleep when you feel like you can’t do this one more moment! I see you! (Don't worry! Only virtually! Nobody wants to see the me that is getting up in the middle of the night, trust me, and I'm sure you feel the same). So, however you ended up in this unenviable club, I hope you'll join me on the journey. I'm going for honest, helpful, and hopefully uplifting content that will help you navigate this crazy road.
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