Sometimes it is All Worth it!

Without a doubt it is so hard raising a child with a special needs.  The fights, the aggrevation, the therapy appointments, the constant running etc.  There are a ton of great things too. I think to many people focus on the bad stuff and not the good stuff.  

My daughter is loved by everyone.  No exaggeration.  We have teachers from years ago that still keep in touch with us because they loved her so much.  (Of course I like to think that they loved me so much and that is why they keep in touch with us).  My daughter is funny, loving, smart, sweet, caring...I could go on and on.  

There are days when I see past all of the crap and see more of the good.  When I see her in her element...singing, dancing and performing...it is truly amazing.  She actually enjoys life...how many of us can say that?  She enjoys every minute of every day.  I have never seen a child like her.  She brings sunshine to everyone's life.  She walks around with a smile on her face all of the time.  She is...well...an inspiration to me.  I admire her.  She doesn't care about what she can't do.of course the fact that she thinks she can do everything is an issue (ex:  her cartwheels leave a lot to be desired lol) .  She doesn't care that people stare at her...she loves when she is the center of attention.  She actually believes that everyone was put on this earth to be her audience.  

Today, she had a school trip which I was fortunately enough to be able to attend.  We met up with an older group of kids from our school.  Some of these kids were classmates from years ago.  They were all so excited to see each other.  It warmed my heart to see how many kids adore my daughter (not to mention the adults)

We have been going to a new place to "hang out".  Allison's Gathering Place (allisonsgatheringplace.com)  When she walked in there for the first time her eyes lit up, as did everyone in the place at the time.  She got right on that stage and starting singing her heart out.  No fear, just complete confidence. 

You see...she is my only child...I sometimes think how lucky I am that she has delays.  I get to keep each stage that much longer (ok, the longer stage of diapers I could have done without).  She loves to cuddle, she loves to spend time together and be silly.  Most kids her age don't want their mom's around to much anymore.  They want to watch their inappropriate tv shows and talk on their own cell phones (no I do not believe that a 10 yr old should have a cell phone...disability or not...for the record).  Not my daughter she wants to spend time with her.  I truly am blessed.  

Beacause of my daughter, so many other kids are benefiting.  Between the cheer team and theatre group that I am a co-founder of, the blog I write and the organizations I help run (all because of her) hundreds of families on Long Island reap the rewards.  

 Here is a video of her from her second "Miss Exceptional Long Island" pageant:

She is my hero and sometimes like when I watch this video over and over...I realize that all of the sucky stuff that goes along with having a child who has special needs is all worth it in the end!!!

I love you my sweet angel.  Thank you for choosing me to be your mommy and for making me the best mom I can be.  

Until next time...

Jenn

thespeciallongislandparent@yahoo.com