You’re Carrying too Much
Hey you…
Mom, Dad, parent, or caregiver of a child with a disability, I have something to tell you. And it’s not a secret. Not in the slightest. It may not even surprise you.
You’re carrying too much weight.
I see you. I see all that you are doing.
You are worn down. You are stressed out by it, and you’re missing some of the best parts of not only your life but your child’s life because if it.
Your life is unique. It’s one that demands more from us as parents. It’s complicated and beautiful and rewarding and tiring all at once.
I see you going nonstop, never resting, never pausing to set the weight down because our kids, they need more. Always more.
I see you because I am you.
Here is what you need to know. You will never be able to fully set the weight down. Because it’s ours to carry. Willingly. Proudly. But you have to learn to carry it differently. Or you won’t make it.
You will burn out. Because this parenting thing is not a race. Or a competition. There isn’t a start or a finish.
It’s a life. Hopefully a long one. And at the end, there is no trophy given out to the parent who did it alone without asking for help.
There is just hopefully a beautiful life lived. And an amazing kid who thrived.
You can’t do it all. You can’t carry it all alone. It’s just too heavy sometimes. So, ask for help. Don’t be embarrassed or scared.
People want to help you. They see you and how hard you are working, and they want to help.
And after finally admit to yourself and others that you do need help, take it. Take what people offer you.
A coffee, time to shower, someone to do a load of laundry, babysitting, a home-cooked meal, a listening ear.
These are not handouts. They are not from people feeling bad for you or offering pity. These are gifts.
Take them.
Set the weight down for an hour. It will be there when you get back, I promise. And maybe, it will even feel a bit lighter.
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. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and join our supporter page, Coop’s Troops, for an amazing community full of support and understanding
