Talk

     As a parent of a special needs child, the need for support is great but is not often available. The only folks who understand it seems, are parents of other additional needs children. We congregate at Challenger baseball games, Special Olympic practises, the odd specially arranged coffee here and there but the times that we can actually sit down for a few hours and share are few and far between. (Never was a cliche more exact!) When those times do occur they are hugely cathartic, much fun and very beneficial. It is never better than being with someone or a couple of someones who just get it; no explanation required, no question too silly or inappropriate, no remark misunderstood. There is just a feeling of being accepted and understood that defies explanation. You are with your peeps.
     Such was my experience the other day and although we did not solve the problems of the world, I certainly feel as though my load is a little lighter. There is something about being with other mothers (and fathers) that increases my sense of hope and gives me a feeling that everything will be alright, regardless of how things are going that day. More importantly, the opportunity for me to connect with other parents means that our eldest daughter is connecting with friends and acquaintances with whom she can be herself. What a gift for us both! There is no better feeling than knowing that you can be yourself; there is no pretense, no judgement, you are you and that is more than okay. Thanks friends!