I’m Lucky Enough to be Your Mom

My Dearest Nicholas,

You made me a mother six years ago.

My first Mother’s Day was spent in the NICU.

You came into this world with a number of challenges. Swallowing issues, developmental delay, sensory difficulties, non-verbal Autism, a rare genetic mutation, the list goes on.

Despite not being able to talk, as your mother, I still know exactly what you want.

I know when you point toward the kitchen counter, you need a tissue from the Kleenex box. I know when you bring me your tablet, you want to watch movie credits. I know when you point upstairs, you want your blankets.

You’ve taught me it’s ok to be different.

I’m lucky enough to be your mom.

My fighter Daniel, you also came into this world with challenges. You were in a lot of pain. All the surgeries and procedures just in your first two years of life. But you’ve been a fighter since the beginning.

You care so much about your siblings and have so much empathy. You’re always helping Nicholas with his speech device, and wrestling around with Grace. Your big emotions and feelings show how huge your love is.

You are the most determined boy I know.

You’ve taught me patience.

I’m lucky enough to be your mom.

My sweet Grace, I thought you would be different. Because you were a girl. Because you were born on your due date. Because I had a feeling.

But you were just like Nicholas.

Difficulty with swallowing, delayed in milestones, the same genetic mutation, and autism. You have so many words, but still have some trouble communicating your needs.

But just like Nicholas, I know what you want. When you pull me over to the sink, I know you want to play in the water. When you bring me to the door, I know you want to go outside.

You’ve taught me compassion.

I’m lucky enough to be your mom.

This journey of motherhood is hard. Parenting three kids with special needs is not easy.

Despite the many challenges, I’ve learned so much and I’m truly blessed.

And lucky.

Written by, Kate Anderson

Hi, I’m Kate Anderson. I live in Colorado with my husband and three kids. You can follow my blog at thisspecialjourney.com or find me on Facebook at This Special Journey or Instagram This Special Journey

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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, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.