Cause Mickey Loves you.

Who doesn’t love the Rocky franchise? I mean, if you’re feeling down try to watch 1-4 (please stop at 5). Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, Ivan Drago. When Rocky wins and the credits roll you feel like you can run straight through a wall. You’re motivated. Inspired.

Encouragement is like that to a special needs parent.

Sometimes, for a special needs parent, it’s round 12. We’re broken. Hurt. And one last punch to the ribs or to the jaw will drop us. We can barely stand.

That’s exactly the moment - in my experience - God sends an encourager.

This Tuesday I was down and out for various reasons.

And then a text came in.

Someone who I greatly respect sent a message to remind me that they care. To encourage me to keep blogging. To help me push forward. To remind me that people are praying for me.

That text changed the trajectory of my week.

It helped me cope with some craziness going on in my life.

It reminded me to keep writing.

It challenged me to be an encouragement to others.

It helped me recall all the times God has sent encouragement our way.

Our family was once shocked by someone being both encouraging and bold. We were out to dinner and a lady in the middle of bachelorette party approached our table. Jude had been watching her phone, signing, and stimming - and she took notice. She mentioned that she had a special needs child. The best part? She told us that we were doing great.

We don’t ever feel like we’re doing great, but here is this stranger, telling us “good job”.

I’ll never forget that compliment.

So my challenge to readers is - if you see a special needs parent - encourage them. Notice if they’re trying, winning, losing, struggling, or thriving. Say something. Your words can serve as a reminder to them. Your words can provide strength and help them endure. Be bold.

And to special needs parents readers.

If you’re on your last leg. If you’re broken. If you’re tired. If you’re struggling, remember . . .

“If you ever get hurt. . . and you feel that you’re going down. This little Angel is going to whisper in your ear. Get up . . . [Burgess Meredith expletive] . . . cause Mickey loves you.”

And I do too.