SPECIALparent

I’m not really a special parent!  I’m just a parent who happens to have had two children with very high special needs (my full story is told in the disability page).  Because this is a huge part of who I am, and of how I see and experience the world, “special parent” seemed an appropriate title. 

Other general info: I am married, and have had three children, the eldest of whom died in 2005.  My second child is 13 and my youngest is 18 months old.  I have been on maternity leave and am just beginning to do a little bit of part-time work to help with cash flow!!

But why have a blog?  Good question!!  (I wondered the same thing at first.)  I’m not an “out there” public type of person.  In fact I am naturally reserved, private and shy. 

Firstly (and perhaps selfishly!) I am doing it for me.  I don’t know about you, but I’m my own worst critic, and felt it would be good for me to keep a record of my achievements, disappointments, thoughts, and experiences.  Sort of like a compulsory journal to be looked back on.  I am hoping it will help me to be a little more disciplined in life – to follow dreams and plans.  Sort of like an accountability partner.  If I post something “out there”, maybe I will be more likely to put self-doubt or procrastination aside and instead follow determinedly through.  Well… we’ll see!!!

Secondly (and probably more importantly) I am doing it for others.  Maybe other parents of children with special needs; maybe other parents who have had disappointments and heartache.  Maybe for  people who are curious or interested in how you go about living life when life dishes out some pretty terrible circumstances.  Hopefully what I write may give encouragement and hope.  Hopefully what I write will be “real” – not an attempt to gloss over the tough stuff.  Hopefully others who read this who are going or have gone through some tough things in life will feel a connection.  I don’t intend to represent all parents who have had children with special needs!!  This is simply my take on things, how I cope, what I think.