When you learn your child isn't "perfect", you automatically jump into the future head first. You all of a sudden think about the things your child won't do. Things they won't experience. As time goes on though, and you settle into loving that little being in your arms, the future doesn't look so scary. You are lost in the moment and I think most of the time, you stay in the moment. Families of children with special needs have a lot to keep them in the present moment too - doctors appointments, therapy appointments, and medical procedures overtake a big chunk of your life. Again, you don't find it overwhelming, it's just how your life is and you live it. But every once in a while you look up and there is the future and it's scary. How will I deal when I get there? How will I handle X, Y and Z??
I had a conversation with my friend two days ago. Her son has Down syndrome, too. She went to the Down syndrome conference in Florida last year. She told me how there was a big dance and she saw adults and children with Down syndrome dancing without a care in the world. My friend said she spent half the time laughing and the other half crying. Even after four years of welcoming her son into this world and loving him, the future is still hard for her to look at.
I guess what I'm trying to say is this...I love my Rachel and I would never change who she is. I would never wish she wasn't born. But sometimes, it's hard to believe this is my life. It's hard to believe that my girl is different and that those differences will only become more apparent as she gets older. It's hard to imagine her as an adult of 21 but acting like she is only 12. It's very hard knowing many people will reject her and think less of her because of her disability. I think a lot of special needs parents feel this way too which is why we don't look at the future too much. It's too painful and it's easier to deal with when we actually get there.
such a courageous post, a great post, over this past weekend was a tough one for me because I "looked up" and I felt overwhelmed, it was good to read about your friend who is a little further down the track, makes me feel like I am not weak for still struggling sometimes thanx again
ReplyDeleteViv (Owens mum) www.born21ofmarch.blogspot.com
Oh Maggie, Rachel is beautiful.I popped in from Barflies to see how she is doing. Your words are so touching. Remember, the future gets here just one day at a time, and with each day you will adapt to the changes that time brings. Uncaring people will reject Rachel the same way they will reject anyone else who doesn't meet their standards. Who needs that kind of person anyway? Your family will continue to develop a loving community who will sustain you, and those will be the people who count.
ReplyDeleteMelinda (Shabby)
Dear Maggie,
ReplyDeleteWe haven't talked in so long. I remember great times we had in High School and loving you as a friend. I have been touched by your stories since Rachel has arrived to you and Steven. I don't have a special needs child, so I couldn't begin to imagin all of the feelings you go through on a daily basis. I can tell you that my heart melts every time I read your posts about Rachel. She is such a beautiful girl! You are just the mom for such an amazing little person. You are amazing with her, always there, giving her every opportunity that life has to offer her. It is so inspirational to see a family (you and Steven) come together and blossom and grow with love, understanding, and complete trust in one another! So thank you for sharing your words and thought, you help so many people with or without special needs.
Heather Albert
I feel the same way...it is much easier to keep your head down at times. When I do see the future it scares me a lot! But, I try and take it one day at a time. Whenever E learns something new, I smile and think back to the days when I thought he would NEVER learn how to do X, Y, Z. Sometimes the demands of therapy, doctor's appointments, etc. can seem so overwhelming that I wish he would hurry and get to a point where he can manage some things on his own...but then I slow down. I don't want him to grow up so fast! That scary future is too close. It is hard to believe this is my life sometimes too, so I am totally with you! And, as a favorite quote of mine goes:
ReplyDelete"I never think on the future--it comes soon enough." ~Albert Einstein