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Friday, March 7, 2008
Special needs kids: How can we help?
Monday was a day for counting blessings.
Mom-in-law, who’s staying with us while she recovers from an injury, had her first physical therapy session at a local treatment center. As my 2-year-old and I waited for Grandma in the waiting room, a steady stream of youngsters in need of special care came and went. In that hour, my eyes were opened to how rough some families have it.
Pity isn’t exactly what I felt: Most of the parents and children seemed to be fine without it. Instead, admiration filled my heart when I thought about how much MORE of life’s junk is piled on families dealing with a child’s disability. Sure, I’m exhausted, flat broke and stressed — which describes 80 percent of the parents I know — but how can I complain?
The parents in the waiting room seemed stoic and capable; the kids were, for the most part, confident and happy.
I almost felt guilty sitting there with my “typically developing” child. I felt the need to reach out and help, but I knew I’d likely never see these people again.
I guess the best I can do is try to teach my children to be accepting and inclusive toward kids who might not be able to run as fast or speak as clearly as they do.
“There but for the grace of God go I.”
