I have met so many mothers with the same story to tell. I feel very fortunate to have this forum in which to voice my story and some of those I feel important to share. It's no accident that I have met some wonderful mothers along the way and they have taught me more than I can say. My hope has always been that I would be able to reach just ONE person. I felt that my mission would be accomplished if even one person was helped by my struggles. However, I have exceeded my expectations and I have reached dozens of mothers who are struggling and have no other place to go. In the process I have also learned so much and recently I had one of those "light bulb" moments. The following story could be YOUR story. Nonetheless it is a true story.
We take it for granted that we live in the United States of America. It's truly a land of freedom and hope. As long as we work hard and try our best, we can expect great things. I recently spoke with a mother who is from a foreign country where children with disabilities are tolerated, at best. She explained that they don't offer services in the schools and basically treat them like any other child. If they don't get it... they just don't get it. There is no "special" treatment at all! Parents are often embarrassed and have no other place to turn to for help. It's a fact of life that she doesn't want to even consider for herself. Right now she is here where things are going great, and she can potentially receive any and all services her child needs. However, that could all change in a blink of an eye. It's too much for her to bear. It's truly too much for ME to even think about.
No matter how much we may complain about the quality of services or the amount of services offered in our area, at least we have the opportunity to receive some help for our children. We have invaluable resources at our fingertips. Many services are free of charge and it doesn't take a lot of effort to receive them, in most instances. For the most part, our society does not shun others with disabilities. I see young men and women with disabilities working in various capacities and living independent lives. There is also HOPE in our country for parents. That is such a big deal. Without hope there would not be advances in treatments and services. Parents would just give up and probably resort to putting their children in asylums or possibly abandoning them at an orphanage doorstep. That is a reality in some countries.
As we celebrate the holidays, let us all give thanks for the blessings we have in the U.S. Let us not forget the people who have given up their lives for the freedoms and rights we have today. Let us not forget the miles we have traveled and the miles we have yet to travel. Let us not forget the past... lest we repeat it. As we begin the year 2010, I pray that we keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts and that we try to always think of others before ourselves. I have learned that small things truly make a difference in others' lives. It doesn't have to be miraculous things. Sometimes people just need someone who will listen. We don't always have all the answers. It's amazing how much power a hug or a smile can have. Begin the new year with a positive attitude and you will see amazing things happen in your life.
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God bless you and yours.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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1 comment:
I strongly second your opinion on the fact that this country has great hopes for anyone with any sort of unique ability or disability whichever way one wants to put it. It gives that little hope that one can lead a decent good life no matter what you are and how you are and one will defnitely find the moral support and the services they need if their eyes and ears are open. I am so glad that i have found a mom like you who have opened this blog to share feelings and enrich our knowledge
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