My heart

Yesterday was my first day back to work after a long, much appreciated break.  This year, my break felt more "family" than ever before, and yet I also had many opportunities to be alone as others invited my children to spend time with them.  It was perfect.

Today, we had scheduled three children to come in for testing.  If you do not know what I do, I am the Program Director for a center that provides therapy services for infants and toddlers with special needs.  Much of my time is spent performing screenings with parents and determining if children need further testing.  And I manage people and programs.  I LOVE MY JOB!!  One family particularly touched me today due to their child's significant needs and the similarities the situation bore to my own.

The families that I encounter in my work take up residence in my heart and they stay there for weeks, months, even years.  The families that I see on testing days are especially dear to me.  I know firsthand how hard the testing days are with the difficult information and scores that describe your child's abilities, but will never define who they are or can become.  I want to scoop those parents up and hug them tight.  I want to tell them that special children know no limits and their lives will be blessed beyond their imaginations as they parent them.  I would tell them that their child's physical care may continue to be exhausting, but their lives will be changed by first smiles, words, and steps in a way that parents of typically-developing children will never understand.  God has chosen them to care for these wonderful, fragile children and that is an amazing honor.

I would tell them that the long nights in hospital rooms, visits to specialists, and embarrassing moments in grocery stores and malls will be worth every moment.  That it is okay to feel exhausted and overwhelmed and to ask for help.   It is ok to feel like you do not want to continue this crazy existence for one more day.  I UNDERSTAND.

Instead, I welcome them and praise their beautiful children.  I smile and try to convey that they are in a place where they will be understood and will find information, support, and people who love to care for their children.  The rest can wait and they will realize most of it on their own as they continue on their own personal journey.

Thank you for continuing with me and my family on our journey to raise our special children.  We do not forget for a moment that we are surrounded by a community that cares for us and our children and we are grateful.  So grateful.