Special Indeed

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