Life with a special needs child
Thinking about my , has caused me to draw a blank about providing money making tips today. I would like to share a delicate part of my life; having a special needs child. I have hesitated sharing my story because I teach others, not to entertain negative thinking. But after speaking with my mentor, I have come to the conclusion that my life with a special needs child is not negative, but reality. There are some good and some not so good days, but I won’t complain. Not only is this my my life, but also the the lives of so many people. You may be able to relate to what I am about to share. Some of this will make you laugh and at other times it will make you cry. Before sharing the trials after giving birth to my son, I would like to share a recent triumph that seem so little, but means so much.
For the past three weeks my son with DS has been sick and very grumpy. A daily characteristic for most DS children, so I have been told. If my son does not get an adequate amount of sleep, he is not the easiest person to get along with. After seven years, I have learned that his rest is vital to my survival. As well as the people around him. If he does not get his rest, he will hit, kick and pout. For the last several weeks, I have allowed him to sleep in and arrive late to school, praying that he will have a good day and be nice to his paraprofessional.
Well this particular morning he slides down the stairs. I greet him with a big smile, a warm greeting and he says “rooooar”. I decided to ignore him and continue to do what I was doing. Shortly afterward, he runs to me with his arms wide open and says “mommy”. Jumps in my lap and kisses me at least twenty times, yes he is a charmer. I pray that his wife will like affection, because he sure knows how to charm a lady. I found myself blushing, due to all of the attention he had just given me. I thank God for giving me such a wonderful gift ! In spite of the challenges that I face, as a mommy with a child that has Down Syndrome. Those are the moments that I look forward to each and every day!.
What about you? Do you have a special needs child, or do you know of someone who does? Can you share a memory that you had with that person? Please leave a comment and let the world know about the joy they bring to our lives.
To Your Success,
Rachale Kelley
Business & Online Marketing Mentor
Skype:rachalek1
419-472-0111
Hello Rachale, I write this at home, it is morning 3.11. here in Finland/ Scandinavia, my daughter just left to her “work” in Kotikulta, She is helping other handicapped children in her group, they have a nice name in our language “MAHTAVA”, it means GREAT; MANIFIQUE; SUPER GROUP!!
My daughter was in severe accident, when she was little girl and got braindamage. For me last 20 years have been more or less struggle to first of all except, that happend to me and to my daughter and working hard to “get her back to her feet”. I know also lot of parents like You Rachale, who has DS child and thinking the same way as You now. We have to stay POSITIVE and show to rest of the people, we can manage and have the normal life as anybody else. And as You wrote, what a charming and loving boy You have!!! Happy Day to you and my blessings and warmest wishes to You!! Tuulikki
Hi Tuulikki,
I can only imagine how difficult the past 20 years have been for you and your daughter. It is a blessing to know that she is helping others in her special needs group and you are able to stay positive in the mist of the storm. You are right, I spent six years of my life depressed and missed out on valuable time with my DS son, as well as my other children. No longer do I have time to waste. Our children depend on us to show them the brighter side of life. Thanks for sharing your story!
S
What a beautiful story Rachale!! Your mentor did the right thing in getting yo!!u to tell it!! You have other? I’d love to read them
I like how you pinpoint the ups and downs. It’s easy for outsiders to not understand that almost every moment can be a logistic challenge of “when will he whip his food across the room” to “when will he have a bad night of sleep” to not knowing if we can make it another day. Ah, then there’s those smiles. They’ve got us, don’t they?!
Susan yes, the smiles get us every time. And thank you for encouraging me to write more, I will do so. Great connecting with you
Hi Rachale,
Thank you for sharing about your special son. I too, have a special needs son. His name is David and he is 20 yrs. old. He is developmentally delayed and has Dystonia. Truly it is a mater of trusting in God’s grace and strength each day. For me, it helps remembering that this is exactly what the Lord intended for us and for David. There was no other David and God didn’t make a mistake. His ways are higher! I wrote an article about not losing your sanity while caring for a handicapped person. I’d love for you to read it. Here it is:http://daynasgracenotes.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-care-for-your-disabled-loved-one.html
I’ve also just recently started a blog for caregivers. It doesn’t have much on it yet. I think it will show up when I click the reply button.
God bless!
dayna