Thinking of mother’s of disabled children on Mother’s Day

Sunday, May 10th, 2009 | Caregivers and providers, Disability Awareness and Sensitivity, Parent advocacy, Special Education, Vaccines and Vaccine Injuries

Today is Mother’s Day and most of the people in my life that I admire and respect are the mother’s of children with disabilities. When Quincy was injured the direction of my life changed dramatically. My hopes and dreams had to be modified. We all face things in life that force us to make adjustments, some bigger than others. This was a biggie, but not insurmountable.

I’m sure someone somewhere has written a book that assesses and analyzes the steps that we move through when we are faced with live-changing situations. I know there are books about stages of grief and coping with death, but I don’t know if they apply. And, I don’t know if we have all handled our situations the same way. I can tell you that it is a life-long process for me, adjusting to my life and tweaking my goals to fit my reality. This should not be viewed as bad and nothing irritates me more when people express pity for the life that I have. My life is spectacular.

Quincy has changed me. She changes the way I view the world, the way I interact with others, the passion that I put into my work, the challenges I am willing to face. I have more confidence, more wisdom, more strength and more fire today than I ever would have had this not happened in my life.

Mother’s day brings me to think about my network of amazing friends and mothers whose lives are similar to mine. Women with infinite patience, incredible strength and admirable loyalty. Advocate moms are the ones that inspire me the most. We are a group of women who will not be held back . We know our education and experiences raising our children have taught us more than any university or college. We understand the science and language surrounding our children, their diagnosis, their rights and the laws better than most PhDs, MDs, JDs or anyone else with initials after their names. We are smart and we are on a mission .

Happy Mother’s Day to every mom and warrior-mom that I know!!

2 Comments to Thinking of mother’s of disabled children on Mother’s Day

Kathy Toner
May 11, 2009

You are right. It is different raising a child with special needs, but I sure don’t want anyone’s sympathy. Jenna is one of the greatest joys in my life! She makes me laugh EVERY day! :o) The way she looks at the world is so pure and innocent (and often hilarious). I thank God for her each and every day.

Thanks for your thoughtful insight, Tawny! :o)