Often I get wrapped in the minutiae of daily life, I forget about the big picture. I stress over things that don’t matter and think my kids have it bad. They don’t.
A few moments have brought things into perspective.
First, when I volunteered for a technology camp for kids with disabilities and signed up my children – they qualified too.
There I observed children with autism and realized their challenges. Some were non-verbal and in a world of their own. One adolescent melted down and tried to harm his caregiver. A young boy only ate cheerios and couldn’t interact. He also had a sister at the camp with severe disabilities. I felt for their mother and thought about how difficult it must be to care for these youngsters. Parents of autistic children are heroes and truly Warrior Parents.
My children served as role models for the other children and something shifted…I realized that my children are just fine. Sure they need extra help, but doesn’t everybody? They just need more help than the neurotypical child.
Second, we were having issue with the evaluation process and the school relationship was strained. I was stressed out and worried about my child. As I got out of the car, a child was being wheeled to class. Instantly, my mind shifted.
Lastly, my good friend whom I just reconnected with is dying and is nearing the end. It’s because of him that I’ve been writing things down. He told me, “I ain’t dead yet.” Well that’s the thing, when death is staring you in the face, the little things we stress out about are all but forgotten, and what truly matters emerges.