When I think of what parenting a child with special needs is like, it always reminds me of this quote by Rumi: “Don’t turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That’s where the light enters you.” The wound and the gift are so close. Our cracks are where the light gets in. Here are six ways the light can enter when you are intimately involved with a child who has special needs.
- Your understanding of love will change
- Communication will no longer be confined to the verbal
- The present moment will become your happier place
- You will become more willing to ask for—and appreciate more—help
- You will learn that appearances and I.Q. scores tell you nothing about the depth of feeling within a person
- You will have a new appreciation for the salve of humor
During the support group for moms with special needs kids that I facilitate, we touch on the gifts—and the shadow side—of parenting these children. We talk about the light, the dark, and everything in between, from rage to revelation. To find out more about the group please contact Melissa via phone, 303-775-8474, or email, [email protected].