As parents/caregivers, there are many moments in raising children, typical and special needs, where we just need to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether it be through sleepless nights, worrying about their future and/or being parents in general – there are times we just need to know everything will be ok.
Maybe it’s just how my brain works, but I worry all the time so seeing any light is like a breath of fresh air for me. I worry when I’m not worrying if that makes any sense. As an adult, I know that this is not healthy nor sustainable, so I have put in mantras to keep finding and seeing the light especially while raising a special needs child.
“In order to move forward, you have to look back.” – Matt Maher
They often say to never look back. However, I often look at things I thought or was told she could never do (e.g., talk, chew and/or potty train) and she has since mastered these skills. Sometimes, we need to see how far we have come to see how much further we can truly go.
“We live on a blue planet that circles around a ball of fire next to a moon that moves the sea, and you don't believe in miracles?” - Anonymous
I don’t want to call what Addy has overcome miracles, but there are days when I didn’t believe it would happen and it did. To get me through my toughest moments, I tell myself to just believe, and it will happen (on her own timeline, in her own way).
“When life puts you in tough situations, don’t say ‘why me’ say ‘try me’.” - Anonymous
Even though this is her journey, I often say to myself why me? Why her? Then I look at her and see how happy she is. How she sees life full of joy and endless possibilities. She makes it look easy when I know she is working so hard!
In writing this, Addy has taught me to always see how far we have come not how far we need to go. Miracles happen every day even when we least expect them which begs the mindset of try me, not why me! Maybe the light I am looking for is right in front of me, I just need to open my eyes.
Much love,
Raising Addy
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