Over the years I have seen the confusion and even shock on peoples faces. Sometimes it comes as I proudly show off pictures of my beautiful girl. "You take pictures of her just like I take pictures of my kids. I'm sorry I'm emotional I just never thought about it like that". Other times the looks appear as I loving wipe Charley's face or sweetly say calm hands please as she hits me. "Can't you get that kid under control". It is a labor of love - like being a parent to ANY child. There are good times and bad times. What I want you to see - what I need you to see - is that she is my hopes, my dreams, and my heart. I love her like you love your children. I pray for her. I have hopes for her. I have dreams for her. She is strong and brave in ways most can only imagine. She has brought more to my life then I ever imagined possible. Is it hard to learn that your child will have special needs? YES! Was I sad? YES! Was I scared? YES! The truth is I am still scared but for different reasons. I am scared that someone will miss treat her. I am scared I will not be enough for her. I am scared that you will look at her and only see her disabilities instead of ALL her amazing abilities. You see a girl in a wheelchair and it makes you uncomfortable - I see my miracle child who was never even suppose to make it. You see a child who screams and hits and think that there is nothing there - I see a child who is so ridiculously smart and so unbelievably frustrated she can't tell you. Every person with special needs was someones baby once; someones hopes and dreams. They are not loved less because of their needs they are loved more. They have been through surgeries and therapies just to do little things that most of us take for granted. Instead of thinking I could never do that or I don't know how you do it - think about how much you love your children then multiply it by 100 - we do it because it is what it is. We do it because that's our baby. The baby we prayed for and grew and delivered and love. It could just have easily been your child but instead it was mine. Please don't look at her and be sad that it is such hard work for her to walk 10 steps with a walker; be ecstatic that a child who was never even suppose to sit up is WALKING :). Please open your hearts to Charley and all of our children who are "different" because they are worth it and because they deserve it.
Alicia--Your blog post are so beautifully written and heartfelt. Thank you for putting into words that others can't. You are a fantastic mother and I am proud to know both you and Charley. Love you all!
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Stacey Hard
10/9/2013 10:50:55 am
Alicia and Charley you are both so beautiful and I am so blessed to know you!!! Sorry we will miss you at the hoedown this weekend. Kaylee had some toe surgery today but she will be back walking in no time! Love and hugs to you both and your entire family! That Wesley and Keith are such a lucky boys to have such loving ladies in their
life!!
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Grandma Linda
10/19/2013 09:20:07 am
Alicia; Again such a beautiful writing. I wih I could give you and Charlie a Huge HUG right now. I an not belive she is walking so well in her walker. Such a MIRACLE.... Charley is living proof that ther is a GOD. If any one ever had doubts they just need to look at you and your family to know He does in fact exist. I do so love you for being you and for your strength and courage. Keep God close to your heart and your strength, courage and patients there also your payment will be many jewels in your crown in heaven as my mother used to tell me. Hang in there sweetheart. Love you so much
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My Name is Alicia
I am a stay at home Mom sharing my struggles & joys that come with raising a child who has special needs. Welcome to my blog.