Caring for a child with special needs can leave you feeling exhausted, invisible, and disconnected from parents whose children don’t face the same challenges. It requires a special brand of patience, dedication, and grit that most cannot even come close to identifying with.
Every day is an uphill battle that can easily lead a mother to the end of her rope.
Nobody could know that feeling better than blogger and special needs parent Alethea Jo, who recently penned a poignant Facebook post to special needs mamas everywhere, letting them know that they are seen.
Since being shared on her own Facebook page and by Love What Matters, her message has resonated with thousands who identify with the exact same struggles.
Read the post in full below, and be sure to share it with the special needs parents in your life today:
“Dear Mom of a child with special needs,
I want you to know that I see you.
I see you running your child to therapy when your friends are running their kids to Little League.
I see you slipping out the of conversation when your friends are all chiming in about milestones and test grades.
I see you juggling appointments and meetings, always making sure you do the best for your child.
I see you sitting at your computer for hours researching what your child needs.
I see you cringe when people whine about the petty things that pale in comparison to your day.
I see you spread thin, but still going the extra mile for your family, and managing to do it with a smile.
I see you digging for depths of strength you never dreamed you had.
I see you showing appreciation to the teachers, therapists and medical professionals who serve your child with you.
I see you reluctantly rising early in the morning to do it all again after another chaotic night.
I see you when you’re hanging on to the end of your rope for dear life.
I know you feel invisible, like nobody notices any of it. But I want you to know that I notice you. I see you in the trenches, relentlessly pushing onward. I see you keep choosing to do everything in your power to give your child the best possible care at home, in school, at therapy, and the doctor. What you’re doing matters. It’s worth it. On those days when you wonder if you can do it another minute of being a mom of a child with special needs, I want you to know that I see you. I want you to know that you’re beautiful. I want you to know that it’s worth it. I want you to know that you aren’t alone. I want you to know that love is what matters most, and you have that nailed.
And on those days when you have breakthroughs, those times when the hard work, pays off and success is yours to cherish, I see you then too, and I am proud of you.
Whichever day today is, you’re worthy, you’re good, and I see you.”
