It’s Not Always Easy
Hear me out on this one..
I share our story because so often I receive messages from fellow special needs parents that their hearts are broken.
All the time it’s questions, remarks on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ do we make parenting a child with significant needs look easy.
I always step back and take a breath.
It’s not easy.
We literally spend all of our time working to give our son Jake the best quality of life for HIM.
And to be honest, that does not always equal OUR best quality of life.
Are we happy? Heck, yes!
I would do it over and over again. Oh wait! I already do!
Okay, let me say this…if I could do anything, that would take the hurdles and struggle that I watch Jake go through away, take autism away, you can bet your butt I would.
I accept his autism, but autism is not WHO he is. He is so much more than a diagnosis.
Now, to my point…most special needs parents are isolated in being able to share the trenches. Why is this? Because then people take their words as complaining or whining.
So, with that being said, y’all WE as humans, friends and family need to be more aware of the struggles our special needs families’ loved ones are dealing with.
Unless, they feel led, they usually are not gonna share or ask for help.
If you have someone in your life who is raising a child with any special need, I can assure you, life is significantly “harder” than raising typical kids.
I know this because I’ve had one of each.
The heartache NEVER goes away.
With every milestone birthday, or the realization of skills not acquired and possibly may not ever, they are “woke” to the comparison.
Raising a child with special needs isn’t a “season”, it’s for a lifetime.
Most of these parents will never experience an “empty nest.” Now, mind you when my oldest daughter moved out of our home, I felt that. I cried.
So, again, I’m on both sides of the fence.
Anyway, love a special needs parent and family today! Reach out. These families are in this journey for the long haul.
Remember, it’s 24 hours 7 days a week, for YEARS.
You can give with your time…
Written by, Luanne Helms
Luanne Helms lives in Opelika, Alabama with her husband, Jason Helms and her 19 year old son Jake. Luanne is the Area coordinator for the Autism society of Alabama for East Alabama.
Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
