Things a special needs parent would tell you not to take for granted

Things a special needs parent would tell you not to take for granted

When you become a special needs parent you realize what most people consider an annoyance is really a blessing.

*You are lucky because you never use words like autism, spectrum, bipolar, sensory, anti-psychotic, manic or nonverbal in relation to your children and may not even know what they mean. I am all too familiar with them and wish I wasn't.

*You are lucky because your kids have friends, even if they could pick them better. Mine don't have any and that breaks my heart.

*You are lucky your kids wear clothes even though you can't stand their tastes. Mine can't stand the feel of clothes on their skin.

*You are lucky you have to take your kids to practice even if you have to drive all over your state shuttling them around. I will likely never have that opportunity.

*You are lucky you can't get your kids to eat their vegetables. I can't get mine to stop eating things that aren't food.

*You are lucky your kids have a boyfriend or girlfriend even if you think they are wrong for each other. Mine likely won't ever have the experience.

*You are lucky your kids break curfew or sneak out to a party. Mine won't even be invited.

*You are lucky to go places on the holidays even if you'd rather stay home or can't stand your family. My kids can't handle the holidays let alone the get together.

*You are lucky to have extended family and even friends.
Most of ours have long since left because our life was too complicated.

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Hmmm. Yes I still can be very irritated at parents who seemed to take everything for granted. But now I think I have things they don't.

*Every new thing Braeden does is a miracle. I see miracles every year when you think small.

*Braeden will never forget I love him and I will never take him for granted.

*Braeden will have people in his life who understand him and who support him and love him unconditionally and never judge him.

*Everyone who meets and works with Braeden will be touched by him forever.

*Braeden can change the way we view ourselves and our lives and inspire us to do more.

*Braeden loves unconditionally.

*When Braeden gives you attention, you've earned it.