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To My Fellow Special Needs Mama

Dear friend,

I see you. I see you running to appointments rather than play dates. I see you working with your child day in and day out; trying to give them the best possible life they can have. I see you stressed out. I see you wondering what your child will be like in a year or 5 or 20. I see you wondering how you are going to afford everything. I see you worrying. I see you.

I understand. I understand what it's like to look at your child and feel anxious, fear, and stress. I understand what it's like to look at your child and have so many questions. I understand what's it like to live a life you never fully planned on living. I understand what's it like to have new realities come at you on a daily basis. I know what it's like to have to say no to things you really want to do because your child can't come along and you can't find a sitter you trust. I know what it's like to be exhausted from the day just thinking about everything you need to with your child or for your child. I understand what it's like to grief the child you thought you would have. I understand what it's like to have people walk out of your life because they cannot handle your new life. I understand.

Let me tell you this. There. Is. Hope. Cling to the hope of the Heavenly Father. He provides peace and hope that surpasses understanding. When I am frustrated and upset about what my child has to go through, I think of the joy God blessed my son with. The amount of joy I have seen my little guy bring others is a true gift. It's a daily reminder of the hope that tells me, even if my child cannot do anything for himself for the rest of his life, he can bring joy to those around him. Find that one thing that your child does that screams hope. Maybe there is more than one. Never give up on who your child is and what their abilities are.

You've got this mama. You are doing everything right. You are doing what you can. Never forget that you are human and you have capacities. It is ALWAYS okay to need a break. It is ALWAYS okay to cry. It is ALWAYS okay to ask for help. It's okay to have bad days. It's okay to "over celebrate"(Is that really a thing?) the milestones your child meets and the goals they surpass. Share them with your friends, I promise they want to celebrate with you. Share them with me, I'll celebrate too! You can do this.

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