C.S Lewis famously said, “Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.” This couldn’t be more accurate; being a special needs parent teaches us three important things, among others- to love unconditionally, to protect ferociously and to find strength during adversity. Being a special needs parent can be both challenging, and rewarding. It is hard to see your child go through so much with the endless doctor appointments and the difficulty in being independent. At the same time, it is beautiful to see your big boy take his first steps, or make a new friend. They have this remarkable ability to light up a room with their smile, and never hesitate in letting us know how much they love us. This is what helps special needs parents gather the strength to wake up every morning, put on a brave smile and take care of their special child. We have interviewed a number of special needs moms, who have been kind enough to anonymously share their thoughts on being a special needs parent- the good, bad and ugly. You might be a special needs parent, or you might know somebody who is. This article is dedicated to all the special needs parents out there. We hope it gives you strength, courage and determination to keep doing what you do best. You are indeed special.
1. “I eagerly wait for my son to do something new. Last week, he rode a bicycle on his own! It was such a special day for us. The best part is that he will always remain a child at heart, no matter how old he grows. Just like Peter Pan! ”
2. “I have learnt so much from my son. It is really hard for me to be a special needs mom; there is so much to learn and so much to do. Yet, every time I look at my little boy, I can see that he is holding on to the hope that his mother will guide him through all the obstacles. That’s what keeps me going.”
3. “Being a special needs mother has taught me how to be more compassionate towards others. When my son was born, so many friends and relatives came forward to help me out. When we are at the hospital, the staff is warm and always ready to help. I make it a point to help out new special needs moms and let them know that I am there for them.”
4. “People come up to me and ask, “What’s wrong with your child?”, and I say,” Nothing, she’s perfect.” I’m not offended. I know that she may look different, and may speak differently, but she’s trying to learn and do everything on her own, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
5. “It can get lonely. From the day my son was diagnosed, I’ve not had time for myself. I’ve lost touch with my friends, and it has been years since my husband and I have gone out on a date. I’m not complaining, but I feel a little better when I accept it.”
6. “My daughter is my biggest inspiration in life. Every time I feel like giving up, I recall how far my little girl has come. She’s gotten through all the numerous doctor appointments, the stares of rude people and has even started going to school! She gives me the strength to keep going.”
7. “It is wonderful to be the mother of such a special boy. I was so overwhelmed when he took the effort to make a beautiful card for my birthday. It’s the little things like this that I will cherish forever.”
8. “I had a choice, and I chose to adopt a special needs child. I don’t see why I shouldn’t have; I have the money and resources to look after him. More than that, I have a lot of love to give. When I saw him for the first time at an orphanage, his smile just lit up the entire room. That was when I knew that he was the one for me. “
9. “The world has started to be more tolerant, and people have started accepting that special needs children have a place in society. That makes me happy, because it means that my little girl can lead a normal life.”
10. “I never thought that I could do it. When I realized that my son is a special needs child, I broke down and cried my heart out. Life seemed to be so unfair, and I felt weak and vulnerable. But the next day, I woke up and vowed to myself that I would do anything in my power to protect my little boy for as long as I live. I haven’t turned back ever since.”
