Hi Friends! January 12, 2013 will be the 1 year anniversary of this blog. On January 12, 2012, I started this blog in a despairing time in my life. My son Jordan, who has autism, was turning 13 the next day. I was severely depressed. Nieve, foolish, or hopeful, I really whole heartedly believed that by now, God would have healed him. I would finally have been given the son I was initially suppose to be given, right? My journey should be over by now, right? I've done my time, right? My son now, would be on his way to getting a high school diploma instead of a certificate, right? He too, like my friends who have 'typical' children, would go to college, get a degree, get a successful career, get married, and have kids. We would talk and have great conversations, not ones with him repeating himself. I'd be able to go vacation with my husband and not have to take him along.
Right now I apologize to anyone I'm offending. If you've fully come to terms with your lot in life...I hope one day to be where you are. I really thought by now, I would have been.
But I am feeling better in what gift God has given me. I love Jordan more and more each day and appreciate what that child teaches me. Like you, I don't overlook the milestones he achieves.
During my journey, I have chosen to reachout to you with information on events we can attend to become better parents and advocates. I also include events that we can bring our entire families without people staring and looking at us cross-eyed as I've encountered many times. I too feel energized when I meet up with you folks. You, are my family and I know you understand.
Thank you for taking your time in viewing this blog. Your views motivate me!
Sincerely,
Vanessa
Vanessa, thank you for having the courage to share these feelings with your readers. Like you, I have never been one of those parents who go in search of kids with special needs to adopt into their huge families! I am in awe of such parents, but I am not one of them. On the other hand, there are many things to celebrate about my daughter: her affectionate nature (as long as I don't surprise her with a touch!), her sense of humor, her ability to be herself in any circumstance (that can also lead to problems, but I applaud her courage to remain true to herself). Having a "neurotypical" child doesn't let parents off the hook. Parenting is a tough job, however you slice it. Anyway, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nina! If it weren't for Jordan, I would have never had the opportunity to meet fantastic and priceless people like you and our extended special needs community family.
ReplyDelete