Monday, May 2, 2016

Your child's win is my success story, too



Recently, a "Bless you!" was heard after a sneeze.

Recently, a bus ride was taken with a friend, to purchase sneakers.

Recently, a book at the next level of reading was completed.

Recently, there was a successful therapeutic horseback riding session.

Recently, a bow was taken after a first Special Olympics swim event.

I cheered for every triumph. I did a mental happy dance. I relished them.

Only one of the above was done by Max—the reading. The rest were the children of friends and parents I have connected with through the blog.

As the mother of a child with special needs, I know the thrill of accomplishments, big and small. (Although, really, are any of these successes ever small?) I may not know the particulars of the challenges overcome or how long it took, but I so know.

I know what it's like to yearn for your child to do something. Actually, many things.

I also know what it's like to not let yourself hope too much that your child will do something because you don't want to set yourself up for disappointment, and because you know that there are things you can't control and what will be will be (even if your heart does keep hoping).

I know what it's like to not expect your child to do certain things—like say "Thank you!" or put on a shirt on his own—not because you don't care but because there are so many other things you need to focus on helping him do.

I know what it's like to not give up but accept.

I know that GIDDY GIDDY JOY JOY feeling of OH, YES, HE/SHE DID IT!!!

And so, when friends' children make achievements and have breakthroughs and generally do awesome, I know how sweet it is, as if it's my Max doing them.

And I am seriously happy for your children, and for you.

You know?

Yes, you do. 

18 comments:

  1. I LOVE seeing/learning of others accomplishments. It brings joy, it gives hope. That is one reason I love your blog - while Max has CP and Luke has autism - they are the same age, have had many of the same struggles. Hearing of Max hitting a milestone (regardless of how big or small) and learning his path ALWAYS gives me hope for Luke.

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    1. So glad to read this! I'm sure Luke in turn inspires other kids—it's a circle of inspiration!

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  2. I also like hearing of the accomplishments.

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  3. Thank you for your beautiful blog. So very much of it mirrors our family's experience. Our son had a major stroke at birth along with being very (very) premature. I love your philosophy, how you put into words so many of my emotions, and how you make things real for me. It helps me understand how I'm feeling, more of what to expect (or not to expect) and that it is all ok. Or better than ok. Thank you also for the links. This is a wonderful blog.

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  4. I sometimes feel like I'm achieving too much and worry if I should stop out of fear of hurting other people. I'm glad people like you are out there who do not take offense to the achievements of others.

    I think you're an ENFJ.

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    1. Anna....
      "I sometimes feel like I'm achieving too much and worry if I should stop out of fear of hurting other people." You know what I think....? I think that you put far too much pressure on yourself, Friend!! Stop!! And, by the way? This is coming from a perfectionist, yet an underachiever. Whenever we watch my nieces, "Amethyst" and "Opal", I always pray that God give me "patience and grace to be the best Aunt I can be".... But not perfect. ;)
      "Stay hard, stay hungry, stay alive", Raelyn
      PS. If Ellen is an ENFJ, then what do you think I am? Just wondering.... ;-D

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    2. Anna, embrace the success and achievements you so rightfully earn! They're part of what makes life so exciting: You work hard for something, you achieve it, you feel proud. OK, so what is ENFJ?!

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    3. ENFJ:

      Fe-Understanding the values and feelings of a collective and adapting accordingly

      Ni-A clear vision of improvement and purpose

      Se-General sensory awareness of the moment and ability to utilize this information

      Ti: Logical analysis that works within a subjective framework

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    4. Anna....
      "Embrace the success and achievements you so rightfully earn! They're part of what makes life so exciting: You work hard for something, you achieve it, you feel proud." Although I stand by what I wrote in my comment above, I also absolutely agree with Ellen!! ;)
      "Stay hard, stay hungry, stay alive", Raelyn

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  5. It's great to see what others have accomplished. Recently I won a local college scholarship and will receive some award(they don't tell you what) at senior awards night this week!

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    1. Hooray for the scholarship!

      I read 321 Mariah and she has a few scholarships on the side in her school as well.

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    2. Kathryn A.....
      You won a local college scholarship and will receive an award?! Congrats, congrats, congrats, Friend!! ;-D
      "Stay hard, stay hungry, stay alive", Raelyn


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    3. Kathryn! Congratulations, so thrilled to read this. Come back and tell us which award you won!

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    4. Congratulations on the award/Scholarship, my friend! You earned it! Tell us which award you won!!

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  6. Ellen....
    "Recently, a book at the next level of reading was completed." Well done, Max!! ;-D
    "Stay hard, stay hungry, stay alive", Raelyn

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    Replies
    1. Ellen....
      And he absolutely should be!! ;-D
      "Stay hard, stay hungry, stay alive", Raelyn

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Thanks for sharing!



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