We discuss our children’s diagnosis and challenges like most parents discuss refrigerator art or the dangers of Tonka toys cluttering the hallways.

We know better than to fill up our calendars with permanent marker; we prefer pencil instead.

We linger just a little bit longer when we hug, because so often those extra five seconds can mean the difference between a really bad day and a heart full of hope.

We stick together when one of us falls apart, and we stay after to help pick up the pieces.

We’re too busy gossiping about our children’s medical entourage (“I can’t believe Dr. Thompson hired that nurse that was fired by Dr. Smith.  And did you see the way she was holding that syringe?” *insert eye-roll here*) to care about the ongoing antics of the really desperate housewives in our neighborhood.

Some of us turn to extra carbs, extra wine or extra shopping to get through the tough times. Some of us even inhale. But we never judge. Ever.

We take turns wondering if the perpetual crap will ever stop hitting the ginormous fan that is our life. The rest of us bring over extra carbs, extra wine, or extra incense.

We have two kinds of friends: the ones that can keep up when the conversation consists mainly of abbreviations (“I had to leave the IEP before we got through the BIP since the BCBA screwed up the FAA and now we’re asking for an IEE. FML.”) and the ones that can’t (“WTF????”).

We strive to always be allies with those working with our children; we rely on their expertise, their passion, their professional insight that can often shed light on an otherwise baffling situation. But God help anyone that messes with our kids by undermining their efforts, sabotaging their intellect, and refusing to see the value of their strengths and the potential in their abilities by providing sub-par services and diluted dreams.

We aren’t any more special than other parents. We’re just more likely to do a face plant into our plate of spaghetti during dinner (hey, you’ve gotta sleep sometime) and save the noodles stuck to our forehead (hey, you’ve gotta eat sometime).

We aren’t jealous by nature (usually). But there are moments when we come across situations that have us seeing green, like when people brag about how they get to go pee alone, whenever they want to. Whatever.

We have more charts than anyone you’ll ever meet in your entire life, guaranteed. If there were ever a chart competition a la The Olympics, we’d be gold medal contenders. If charts were the only thing standing between us and a zombie apocalypse, let’s just say, we got this. We have feeding charts, potty charts, behavior charts, ABC data charts, sleep pattern charts, growth charts, phases of the moon charts, therapy charts, and charts that help organize all the other charts. But there’s not a chart in the world that can keep track of our car keys, especially when we were supposed to be at speech therapy 5 minutes ago (according to the chart, of course).

We dare to hope even if it means our hearts risk being shattered into a million pieces.

We don’t give up or give in, choosing instead to cross the finish line – no matter how long it takes, each and every time – because our children are worth it.

We can hear the R-word being used from across the room and regardless of how many times we have heard it in the past, it still feels like a solid punch to the gut that knocks the wind right out of us.

We think that when people tell us we have the patience of a saint, they must be talking about that one saint who was known for being extremely impatient. That, or the bar is set incredibly low.

We wish for everyday things, like five minutes of extra sleep, five pounds miraculously missing from the scale, five extra dollars tucked into the pocket of our jeans. But we also wish for big ticket items, like the perfect IEP, a brilliant doctor who knows we know our children best (that’s the brilliant part), a more accepting, accessible world for our kids, and last-minute miracles no one else would dare to believe in.

We pray

We curse

We blame

We forgive

We make mistakes

We learn

We do better

We are blemished

We are tired

We are in desperate need of a shower

We are madly in love with our sons and daughters

We are forever changed for the better

 

We are special needs parents

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

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39 Replies to “We Are Special Needs Parents”

  1. Wow, I couldn’t have said it better. You shared my story as well. God bless you.

  2. This is amazing. I’ve shared it everywhere. It could not be more perfect. Jo, it’s a privilege to know you. I’m amazed by y0ur ability to say things that I feel in the depths of my soul.

  3. Love, love, love this! You captured us all perfectly! I am sharing this with all my special needs parent friends and family.

  4. This is beautifully written. Can you tell me what you mean by the “R-word”?

  5. Hi Leslie – The r-word is short for “retard.” It is a hurtful word often used with zero regard for the population is aims to describe.

  6. I have two of the most fabulous grandchildren in the world. They have their 13th birthday today. We are lucky to have such wonderful people in this world.

  7. I was thinking that is what it was but wanted to be sure. I am an Assistant Principal at an elementary school. Would you mind if I shared your blog with staff? I am thinking it could serve as a powerful reminder to those we serve.

  8. I just re-read my post…clarification…the REMINDER is for our teachers to understand the complexity of being a parent of a child with special needs. The way I first wrote it could be misinterpreted as a reminder to the parents. Pretty sure they don’t need us telling them how challenging their days can be.

  9. Hi Leslie –
    No, I understood what you meant! Absolutely, please feel free to share, as long as you credit the source as me. Thanks!

  10. All I could do was smile while reading. You understand me, my friends understand me and I’m forever grateful to have them, my son and your blog to read. Thank you. 🙂

  11. Wow! You brought tears to my eyes as well as made me chuckle. I am PROUD to
    be a special needs parent! I feel honored that God chose me and trusted me with
    my miracle. Thank you for sharing!!!

  12. I have to say first time on this site and it will NOT be my last. Very well done/said/everything. I have two special needs boys 9/11, I would not change anything about them. I love everything about them.

  13. What you shared resonated with me in a way that felt as though you had been in my dining room! The part about writing things in pencil, having some friends that get it, and supporting the professionals but defending your child are all part of my life!
    Thank you for sharing!!

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