You Rock

This is an email a sweet friend sent me a few months back that I came across...thought I would share because it made me smile.  ;P


Dear Friends With Special Needs Kids,

I have something to tell you. And I’m thinking that you don’t hear it enough. So come closer and pay attention, OK? This is important.

YOU ROCK.

Yes, you.

Why are you still looking at everybody else in the room?

I’m talking to YOU.

And no, I don’t mean that you deserve a medal just for parenting your kid. That’s what parents do. We parent. Our kids. So yay, for you cause you stuck around? Hell no.

And I don’t mean to imply that I’m offering sympathy because your path is different – and likely more difficult – than most. It is what it is. And I’m not much for sympathy.

What I do mean is that you rock because of the WAY that you parent your kid. And the WAY that you choose to walk this path.

You rock because you involuntarily calculate the thousand different variables in every situation and adjust for them on the fly. Because you are alert for the danger, the triggers, the anything, the everything that might turn everything on a dime. Twenty, thirty, hundreds of times a day. Navy Seals have nothing on you, kid.

You rock because you spend so damn much time preparing for what look to the world like tiny, insignificant moments. Because you know that there are no such things as tiny, insignificant moments.

You rock because you show your child patience even when you feel nothing of the sort.

You rock because you create a hard shell for the world, but remain tender for your child.

You rock because you have learned another language. Or two. Heck, you even speak Abbreviate – ASD, IEP, DSM, ADHD, ABA, BCBA, BT, RDI, GFCF, ADOS. See?

You rock because you SEE miracles in your child’s smallest victories. Because you celebrate simple successes. Because you know how hard they are won.

You rock because you look out for each other. Because you treat every child as if he were your own. Because you know that it really does take a village to raise a child.

You rock because you appreciate the people who make up that village. Because you see God’s angels along your path – and recognize them for who they are. And tell them how much they matter.

You rock because you don’t ever stop pushing and encouraging and expecting and demanding and believing and celebrating.

You rock because you know how important it is to take time for YOU.

You rock because you refuse to let anyone define your child by his challenges. Because you know there is so much more to who he is than a label.

You rock because you’re not afraid of the label. Because you know that as hard as it may have been to hear, it will be the key to a community for your child.

You rock because you are a different kind of parent. Because your know that just because your child doesn’t have words, that sure as hell doesn’t mean she’s not communicating.

You rock because you do everything you possibly can to figure out what it is that she’s saying.

You rock because when a doctor says, “It’s never been done before,” you hear, “Good, it’s possible.”

You rock because when you get angry, you use the anger to propel you forward. To make waves. To create change. To make life better for your child.

You rock because you refuse to accept complacency – from anyone.

You rock because you talk. Because you change hearts and minds and laws.

You rock because you’re not afraid to think big – really big when it comes to your kids. If programs don’t exist, you will create them. If the system doesn’t work, you will change it.

You rock because you never forget to think small. If people around you don’t understand, you talk to them. Teach them.

You rock because you raise your so-called typical children to know that typical is an illusion and compassion is everything.

You rock because you know that EVERYONE has something to contribute in their own way. And because you know it’s worth everything we have to ensure they can.

You rock because you respect one another – even when you disagree.

You rock because you seek the advice of those who have come closest to sharing your child’s path. Because you never, ever drown their voices out of the conversation. Because you know how vital their perspective is. Because you know that this IS a conversation.

You rock because you give your child the space to fail – giving them the ability to succeed.

You rock because you function on ludicrously little sleep.

You rock because even when you wake up convinced that you can’t, you do.

Dear Friends With Special Needs Kids,

I have something to tell you. And I’m thinking that you don’t hear it enough. So come closer and pay attention, OK? This is important.

YOU ROCK.

(author unknown)

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger...

So many things in our life are so very different from even just last year.  Some might say "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."   Life is always crazy so it's how you "Roll with the punches".

Last year at this time, I had just sold my wedding ring to buy a car, to at least get us around.  I was working at the Blow Dry Bar and getting back into the groove of living back in the States, being a working, single Mom.  I was working part time and with Eric the rest of my time.  Life last year was rough.  I tried so hard not to cry with Eric around but inside I was worried about our future, non stop.  Eric's receptive is close to his age so I know he is aware of everything.  

I gained a ton of weight in the past 5 years after having Eric.  I have had some crazy stress in my life and I was also diagnosed 5years ago with Ulcerative Colitis aka UC.  This time last year I was on medication (supposedly forever) for my UC and was having on and off issues mostly because stress irritates  UC.  I was not exercising but was trying to stay away from foods that I could not digest.  My UC was definitely NOT under control and honestly, I was so tired of taking medication 2400mg a day to maintain my disease.  I had to change something!

I have always been fortunate to have my Mom and Aunt around to help with the daily things with Eric.  Without them, I wouldn't have been able to survive the last year!  I have a close group of girls who I consider Eric's Aunties and they also helped me tremendously through the past year or so.  I am also lucky to have all of Eric's therapist's both in school as well as outside of school who help me daily with Eric.  Without them, I truly could not!  

That was last year....

This year has been filled with so many emotions, both good and sad.  For the most part, both Eric and I are well!  Everything seems to be falling into place.  Eric is doing fabulous and I couldn't be prouder.  He is reaching new developmental milestones and we are so excited for what will come in the future!  He continues to grow and show his spunky, cute little attitude everyday, always with a smile.  He will be 7 this coming July and I cannot believe it!  His walking and running is getting better each day.  His seizures seem to be controlled (knock on wood).  Overall....he makes me so proud to be his Mom.  Without him, I would not have known how strong I can really be. 

This year, my health is awesome!  I started regular exercise this past July and I am addicted now because I am really seeing results!  I have not been on medication for over 6mths now and I am so happy to say I am in remission and I feel fabulous!  Eating better and exercising....helps me keep my stress levels low.  I finally realized that I needed to put me first, at times.  If I am not here for Eric, who will teach him how to be a well rounded man?  I have to be here!

  

So, as I live each day, I try to work on myself and help Eric learn the morals and values of life.  I know my days will definitely be hard in the future and I thank God everyday for the people in our life.  I also realize that having unhealthy relationships are not good so I also work on having the best of friends around Eric and I at all times.  Negative relationships will not be tolerated.  

So until next time....thanks for reading =)