Happy Fourth of July! If you have activities planned for the day, you're probably out doing them right now, and it's too late for me to point out my "Four Hard Things About the Fourth" article that gives some tips for making the holiday less hellish. If you're checking in after a hard day of festivities, though, you may be wincing from judgments people have made about your child -- who, perhaps, can't tolerate the allergens piled on the picnic table, the loud noises of fireworks, the unwelcome hugs of family members -- and need a place to declare that your kid is awesome and you're proud of how well he or she kept it together under impossible odds. A good place to do that, and to read heartwarming messages from other parents about their kids, is on the Readers Respond page for giving thanks for your child with special needs. Here are some recent entries:
"I show and tell my eight-year-old boy every day how thank full I am for having him in my life. Because of my child, I have become a better parent, friend, and co-worker. Parents with special needs children are truly blessed if the child is loved and understood." -- Francis
"I use to dream of this baby girl who was tiny and different.Then she was sent to me my beautiful daughter. She is eighteen now, I love her with all my heart !!!!!!!!!!" -- Mom
"I am so thankful for Gabreial he is the love of my life always in my mind and heart." -- Juanita
"My daughter is 11 years old and has overcome so many obstacles. I am so thankful for my girl; she truly is a blessing! She keeps me grounded, focused, learning, caring, patient, and kind. Where would I be without her? I am all those things listed above, but she has instilled those things deeply within me. I see the world clearer and understand my purpose in life so much more. My girl does the funniest things possible, and what she sometimes says makes you stop and wonder where did that just come from. It is awesome to see her grow and prove others wrong about her. Doctors said she would never be able to do anything and yet she has come so far. She is able to walk, talk, dress herself, feed herself, make choices for herself, do homework, read, write, play, and is interested in sports!! Sometimes we are the most optimistic people in the world because we know what our children can accomplish; even if it is minute things. Thanks to all for praising every milestone reached and for believing!!" -- Lele
Do you have something nice to say about your child, on this day when others may have been not so nice at all? Add your story to the Readers Respond page.
Summer Survival Kit | More Readers Respond Pages
Love Note image and text by Terri Mauro