When Sarah Taylor first approached me about doing a “blog”, I had to ask, “What’s a blog?’ I know a lot about children who have special needs but do not know anything about "blogging." So, I decided to give this a shot in hopes that someone out there will benefit from the information I have to share. I have struggled with what to share first. I guess the first thing I like to tell someone who is raising a child with special needs is that they are not alone.

Yes, this can be one of the most isolating things you will ever go through in your life. Most of your friends and family may not have any idea what to say or do; and they definitely have no idea how you feel. They may stumble and fumble through trying to help you. They may even avoid you because they have no idea what to say or how to act. It can make social settings very uncomfortable for everyone.

Most people can’t relate to what we go through every day; but don’t ever think you are alone. You’re not. Reach out to other parents who have “been there” or are there now. Allow someone to walk beside you through this journey that has become your life. It is scary at times and wonderful at times. Do not be afraid to believe in yourself, your family and especially your child who has special needs.  Here is a story about a mother who believed:

A boy who was deaf came home from school one day carrying a note from officials at the school. The note suggested that the parents take the boy out of school, claiming that he was "too stupid to learn." The boy's mother read the note and said, "My son, Tom, isn't ‘too stupid to learn.' I'll teach him myself.” And so she did.

When Tom died many years later, the people of the United States of America paid tribute to him by turning off the nation's lights for one full minute.

You see, this Tom had invented the light bulb—and not only that, but motion pictures and the record player. In all, Thomas Edison had more than one thousand patents to his credit. When asked about his mother, Thomas Edison once said, “My mother was the making of me.”

(1995 - God's Little Devotional Book for Moms)

I pray that someday all of my children can say that about me. Have a great week and take time to enjoy every moment you have with your family.

Traci Castles
Family Voices in Oklahoma Coordinator