Give thanks for your Special Needs Child
By rainbow
@rainbow (6761)
April 2, 2007 2:19pm CST
Parents of special children know that each one is a gift worthy of thanks. But on days when there doesn't seem much to be thankful for, or others are suggesting your little angel child must be a burden, or well-meaning charities suggest giving thanks for healthy kids, check this list for a smile and a little inspiration.
You never have to worry about worrying over nothing.
Let other parents obsess over the frivolous and the shallow.
Developmental delays = more years of hugs, kisses, and little-kid sweetness.
Your 13-year-old still wants to sit in your lap, give hugs, and tell you he loves you. What mom of a sullen teen doesn't secretly wish for the same?
Any little milestone is a cause to throw a party.
Your child works hard for every step, sit-up and syllable, giving you lots to be excited about.
Life with your child is always an education.
You will meet a better class of parent in waiting rooms and support groups.
Your child frees you from having to hang out with those snotty parents on the playground, and gives you entry into an exclusive club of people who are sensitive, sarcastic, and sure of their priorities.
You have an iron-clad escape excuse for any occasion.
You'd love to stay at that boring party, crowded event but, you know, your child just can't tolerate it. (And if sometimes it's you who can't tolerate it -- who's to know?)
Coming up with new strategies every day keeps your brain sharp.
They say crossword puzzles help ward off Alzheimer's. Figuring out your child's schedules and treatments and lessons and rights and restrictions may easily provide twice the protection.
Your blessings will always be fully counted.
Other parents may take the gifts that their children bring for granted. Not you. Not ever.
Hope these brought a smile to a few weary faces - can you add any more?
8 people like this
12 responses
@mobyfriend (1017)
• Netherlands
2 Apr 07
The oppertunity to enter a global community based on respect,love and uplifiting each other.
Everyday is a brandnew experience filled day. Tiredness yes but drudgery NO.
If I could rate you a thousand times for this wonderful post I would do so right now.
4 people like this
@mobyfriend (1017)
• Netherlands
3 Apr 07
Rainbow this post is developing in a wonderful thread. All wonderful people in here.
3 people like this
@redstrawberry113 (102)
• United States
3 Apr 07
That's a great way to look at things! Thanks for the inspiration. One thing I personally noticed about my child, we can go down the toy aisle or when cashing out at a store and she doesn't fuss because I can't get her the newest Barbie, or that piece of candy that some children throw a fit over. That may be a silly one but I personally love it.
My daughter is amused by the littlest things like a stick or a piece of grass or an empty box. It seems she appreciates the smaller things.
4 people like this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
3 Apr 07
They love you unconditionally no matter what you do.
You are very right when you say that you don't worry about the little things.
Thanks for the smiles you gave me today, I had one of those days and needed it!!
As for the scheduling, you are definitely right!! They should be better than Crosswords!!
I love talking with parents of Special Needs kids. We all seem to have a different outlook on life than others. The little things just are not important.
You have nailed it all on the head. I have a 12 yr. old and he still loves to be rocked or sit on your lap. Loves hugs and kisses.
Thank you again.
4 people like this
@rainbow (6761)
•
3 Apr 07
Thank-you for smiling and remembering how we do cope so well - we need to praise ourselves some days, especially the tough ones.
A lot of my favourite people here are special needs parents, I find their varied experiences so valuable.
Our outlook is different and I think possibly better, who knows?
3 people like this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
3 Apr 07
Thanks for introducing this topic rainbow. I'd like to give thanks for my (nearly 4 yr. old) autistic grandson. He's a beautiful little boy, with a bright, sunny, smile, big expressive eyes full of wonder, and a gorgeous head of curly hair. I don't get to see him as often as I'd like, but am looking forward to spending Good Friday with him and the family, as I haven't seen him since before Christmas. His parents (especially his mom) work tirelessly to give him all the special help he needs, and ensure that he has the brightest future possible. All children are special, and that's a lesson that I've learned, and should be the sentiment of all caring people everywhere.
3 people like this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
3 Apr 07
Thanks so much rainbow. It'll be nice for all of us to be together for the day. You have a wonderful Easter too.
2 people like this
@lovesfreedom (1245)
• United States
3 Apr 07
Thank you for this post! My children are not special needs children, but my oldest grew up and became a teacher of autistic children. She has told me that her life has been so enriched by these little loves. She says that the love they return compares to nothing and that when they learn something new, and sometimes they are learning the same thing for the 5th time, that the pride and happiness they have can't be matched.
They are truly blessings that have brought so much meaning to my daughter's life, and through her, have brought the same meaning to mine.
3 people like this
@rainbow (6761)
•
4 Apr 07
How fantastic, reminds me of the dance round the kitchen I did on my birthday when Bong (7) ounted the yorkshire puddings I was making in 2's - fist ever time! The joy in his face when he reaslied he did it was a moment you want to pop in a jar and save forever.
Your daughter is a beautiful person to chose this hard course, you should be so proud!
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
2 Apr 07
I have to admit it is wonderful when my 9 year old son still wants to sit on my lap or cuddle. I know 'normal' kids aren't usually willing to do this once they reach a certain age, as it is embarrassing to them. These are the times I'm glad my son is 'special'.
4 people like this
@minnie_98214 (10557)
• United States
3 Apr 07
Wow you hit that one on the nose. I love my son and so many pople when they hear he has autism say sorry. I love him no matter what and I have never been sorry. I have always just said thanks because I dont like to cause tention but a large part of me goes shut up. As you pointed out there are many great things with a special needs child that make them great. They can always make you laugh. They never think they are smarter then you so they actually listen to your advise. And the love is the greatest the many hugs and kisses. Thanks for the great post it was a great thing to read.
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
4 Apr 07
Your right Rainbow we are blessed!
Other parents don't know what they are missing.
Yes it is a challenge at times but my boy who will be four this summer is so loving and constantly asking for hugs with his limited vocabulary and has this most contageous laugh.
He is our joy and our hope for tommorow. We don't take anything for granted....When he sits on the toilet bare bottom we rejoice...when he drank his milk from the straw for the first time we rejoiced...When he used two word phrases continuously we rejoiced...Walking, climbing stairs, sitting up, eatting with a spoon (still in progress) EVERYTHING he does is amazing!!!
He has come so far and works so hard and we are very proud of him :)
Yes, our children are truly precious gifts to us!!
1 person likes this
@rainbow (6761)
•
4 Apr 07
It's amazing how special these little moments are and once one thing is accomplished we move to the next refueled with hope!
I remember the straw challenge - it's such a reward when they finally manage!
Bong still struggles with a spoon, he's 7 now but he's come on really well and is doing his best every day although sometimes it's hard for all of us.
Some days it seems hopeless but the love they embody somehow drags us on!
I hope your little man continues to go from strength to strength!
1 person likes this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
5 Apr 07
I have the same hope for your son, Rainbow! We are here for each other! :)
The spoon is an ongoing thing. I have to remind him to use it a lot of time because he reverts to using his hands...Sigh...I know he will get it and so will Bong!:)
1 person likes this
@lvmybz (125)
• United States
7 Apr 07
Oh how you have lifted my spirits and warmed my heart. Thank you so much Rainbow for your post. Sometimes as parents of special needs children "and typical children" we might tend to focus on the negative. When in fact there is so much postive, like you so right fully pointed out. Such as still wanting to cuddle when they are older. I am so grateful for my beautiful boys. I am thankful for my autistic boy, simply because mine. ALL MINE!
1 person likes this
@rainbow (6761)
•
7 Apr 07
You're right my darling they are ALL YOURS! as mine are indeed all mine even when they drive me crazy there is so much to be thankful for - even that they could find mischief can be a plus for some parents.
All our little people whether typical or with extra needs are special and have much to offer us!
Enjoy your kids wile you can - soon they will be all grwon up!
@sparling (178)
• Canada
7 Apr 07
you've responded two a copuple of my discussions in the past. everytime i read something that you have written about special needs etc.... i want ot hug you, lol. its hard for other people to understand what we go through and its hard to find a freind who really gets it. i count my blessings everyday for what god has given me and especially for giving me the srtenghth to get through another day. Today you gave me the strength. i wanted to thank you for that, i dont really know what your situation is or what it is that you live with. you seem really strong and wise,,, so anyway i added you to my freinds list, i hope thats ok, sometimes i could almost cry for someone else to understand. i love this poem thing by the way. its so true! mandy
1 person likes this
@rainbow (6761)
•
7 Apr 07
You can hug me anytime you'd like lol! I remember your discussion and wishing I could say something to make it all better. It is hard for other people to understand when we feel trapped and frustrated or completely elated about little things they wouldn't really notice.
I always think of the families of really ill children and am grateful that mine are mobile and able to express their opinions and needs.
I'm glad I helped you today, some days we need a little boost I try to get up each morning and do the things that most need doing and hope for a good day - it's not always easy!
Not sure I'm wise or strong, maybe more stubborn but I'm honoured that you think of me that way and want me as a friend - thank-you so much!
@micamyx (916)
• Philippines
11 Apr 07
This article made me smile :)
My brother just turned 12 today and even if he is already a big boy, he still loves to kiss me and hug me infront of a lot of people. He loves singing my favorite songs and he fixes my things too. If my brother was a normal kid, I'm sure we'd end up fighting when I'll ask him to kiss me.
Autism taugth me a lot especially unconditional love :)
@rainbow (6761)
•
11 Apr 07
What a beautiful thing to say, you are right it is unconditional love and you must love him sooo much! I'm so glad that you get on well together, sometimes it's hard to feel close to our family, especially when there are problems, but you seem to cope wonderfully!
I hope he had a fantastic 12th birthday with lots if hugs and kisses!
