Over the years, I have met several special families—all
“special” in their own way. Regardless of what the disability that is part of
their world is called, it seems we all relate to one another on a level that
most parents never get to experience.
We have a unique advantage that sets us apart from other
“typical” parents (not to discount or ignore all the amazing typical parents
out there…).
But those of us who have had the opportunity to go beyond
the call of parenthood and reach levels of selflessness that we never knew
existed, all share a common bond. We
are just that—special.
One definition of “special” is: having a specific or particular function, extraordinary;
exceptional. We were born fighters, and we exude that spirit on to our kids.
Just as the definition suggests, the ordinary people we were before our
children were born, became extraordinary because of the parental challenges we
have had to face with our child. Think about the kind of person you were before
your child came into your world, and then think about the person you’ve become
since their diagnosis. We all have grown, matured—changed. And as the saying
goes, change is good.
It seems as though I have had many encounters with special
parents that I’ve never met before, purely by “accident” over the years. We
seem to gravitate to each other. Many of us are weary, worn out—and find each
other for a few words of strength and encouragement just when we need it.
Others may cross each other’s path just for a few moments and in those few
moments, we find out that we have more in common with each other than with people we have known for years…. Our hearts
have a way of finding each other. In some silent, calm, invisible way, our
hearts know one another.
Because our hearts have changed, too….and for most of us,
when this change first happened, it was uncomfortable and exhausting. Then,
after some time passed, we got used to this new heart… and we have become
accustomed to the way it beats--the way it keeps us alive. It is different than
before our child came along, but in a new, fresh way. The way it used to function is no longer an option. Once you
become a special parent, the chambers of your heart feel and act
differently---they become stronger with each challenge that we have had victory
over.
Through all of my encounters—there seems to be a thread that
connects us all together somehow, and it is laced with the love we have for our
kids. It goes above and beyond any other kind of love we ever dreamed of
experiencing. All of us agree that we would do anything—go anywhere—to any
lengths-- to help our child. No matter what the price, we won’t give up looking
for and finding new things—treatment, physicians, therapy, etc…that may take
our child to the next level.
We have gone from ordinary to extraordinary—from average to
exceptional.
The function of our being has a specific mission. I truly
believe that many people go their entire lives searching for the purpose and
true meaning of their life here on earth. We special parents have an awesome
advantage—our special parenthood is the reason God put us here. He chose us to
do the work we do, each and every day—to be the person He wants us to be—to
care for our special child.
So, the next time someone asks if your child has special
needs, I pray your answer will now have a fresh, new meaning to you—Yes, your
child has special needs, and you are a very special parent.
Special indeed.
~Maria
