5 Things
I never order pancakes. I like them, don’t get me wrong. Maybe it’s because I douse them in maple syrup, but he last 5-10 bites feel like mush. Tasty mush is still mush.
This week I’m a short stack. And work demands, Jude, Miller, normal life busyness are the maple syrup. I’m absorbing it all and trying not to fall apart. I should have been a waffle.
So because my brain is mush, instead of one sweeping, profound, expertly written story (has that ever even happened) you get the last 5 thoughts in my brain. From here on out I’m an empty slate trying to rebuild.
Special needs parents love & appreciate the people in their corner. We have a special needs classroom at church. Jude brought her AAC Tablet last week. I think she used it to say “Goldfish Crackers” and “See You Later”, but both teachers were thrilled to see her progress. Having a church that has a special needs room, extra training for special needs volunteers, with ministers who celebrate your child’s success? That’s like hitting the lottery. Thank you specifically to Linette and Melissa - you two are part of Jude’s clan forever.
Special needs parents celebrate independence. Miller got his driver’s license this week. Yes it is weird. Yes I have some concern about him on the road. But mostly? I’m proud. The perspective Jude’s diagnosis provides helps me value this milestone - and celebrate it - for what it is. A normal, healthy progression and a wonderful next step for our son.
Special needs parents and party invites. We love our friends and family, but we can’t make it to everything. We can’t say yes to every invite. Our best friends know that when we decline it’s for the benefit of everyone. Going somewhere with Jude is like trying to negotiate a car purchase with shaky credit. And Jude is the finance manager.
Me (Car Buyer): “Can we eat here without you stimming like a screaming banshee”
Jude (Finance Manager): “Best I can do is yelling as loud as my lungs will allow until I’m distracted by root beer. And I’m not even in a bad mood today.”Special needs parents and fireworks. Sometimes Jude loves fireworks and sometimes she needs to run to a safe space to recover from overstimulation. Big ones are to loud, small ones are too unpredictable. So we plan accordingly. We still love to celebrate the 4th, but those who know us best understand that we’re Christmas people.
Special needs parents and rest. Sometimes we get 8 hours of refreshing sleep. Sometimes we’re up 8 times in the night. We may seem “off”, but we’re just exhausted. And tomorrow we may rebound. Be patient with us please, especially before a ridiculous amount of caffeine makes us feel human again
Have a great fourth! God bless America.