parenting a special needs child Archives

I Don’t Care If You Stare

Mar 27 2013

Pretending to be a puppy at the pet food store… The moment I stopped caring so much about how strangers perceive my child, is the moment I was set free. I can’t pinpoint when it happened exactly, but somewhere along the road from resentment to contentment, I rediscovered the joy of parenting my unique child. I don’t mind a curious glance my way if it’s brought on by my own behaviour. If I pull out some experimental moves on the dance floor and turn over on my ankle and squeal like a pig, (hypothetically of course) an eye-roll in my direction is justified. When strangers stare disapprovingly at my innocent child however, my mama lion mane stands on end. Though my daughter appears “normal,” her developmental delays cause some decidedly odd behaviours. Errands are always eventful. Common grocery store scenario: As she furiously stuffs checkout aisle candy into her pocket, her attention suddenly turns to the man behind us in line. While tugging relentlessly on his sleeve, she announces to all within earshot that he’s her daddy (I never met the guy, I swear!). When she tires of him, she darts behind the counter to give[…]

Oct 29 2012

You ponder the sleepless nights, the childish outbursts (yours AND the kids’), the emotional and financial drain, and the myriad of adjustments you’ve had to make to your life, and you wonder, “Is parenting worth the sacrifice?” The day my daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder is the day our lives changed forever. We were in the hospital at the time, our tiny girl hooked up to a feeding tube, when the doctor explained what we would be facing in the years to come. Appointments, hospital stays, and numerous therapies loomed. One parent would need to stay home to manage this hectic schedule. It was going to be me. My maternity leave was coming to an end, but I would not be returning to my job. More than a job, my chosen profession and passion. When this reality hit, I sat rocking my baby in my arms, grieving for my old life. A passing nurse peered in at a sobbing mother and soon a social worker arrived to talk to the woman in room 2C who was coming unraveled. It seems selfish looking back at how devastated I was to be losing my career. Was it really a loss[…]

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I Don’t Care If You Stare

Parenting: A Glory Story