Parents who raise children with special needs have a lot of hopes and dreams for the future. I have four children and two of them have special needs. My dreams for my kids may be different from yours, and that’s ok. My hope is that this blog inspires you to dream big for your child with special needs.
- I wish for you to have a great sense of humor. Almost as important – I wish for all those who accompany you on your life’s journey to have a sense of humor too!
- I wish for you to embrace your spirituality and faith traditions. I wish for you to be embraced and accepted by the people at a place of worship.
- I wish for you to know deeply that everyone is imperfect. You are not less than anyone else. Each person on earth has significant flaws, no matter how perfect they appear.
- I wish for you to one day succeed without me. I am your parent, coach, and champion right now, but in the future, I wish as much independence as possible for you. As you will most likely outlive me, I view this as one of my most important jobs as a parent.
- I wish for you to make a positive impact on society. I refuse to believe that your diagnosis will stand in the way of that. Each person, regardless of gifts and abilities, can make a positive impact. I wish for you to be able to see that in others, too.
- I wish for you to have all the medical support you need to live well and enjoy good health. I wish for wise, caring doctors, nurses, and therapists to help you when you need help.
- I wish for you to have good friends and that you will be a good friend. You know, this is hard for a lot of us, whether we have a diagnosis or not. And yet, the blessings of friendship are endless.
- I wish for you the strength to ignore society’s measuring stick. Today’s standards constantly change with the wind, and they will continue to do so in the future. Refuse to be measured up by society’s standards.
- I wish for you to have a never-give-up spirit when you have a worthy goal. Real life is rarely easy for any of us. Everyone experiences failure and heartbreak. Don’t let those things stop you.
- I wish for you to always know the truth – that your parents love you deeply and are immensely proud of you. If we could start over, we wouldn’t change a thing about you!
Mother Teresa is quoted as saying, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” Moms and dads with children with special needs, know that you are changing the world today and every day by loving your kids and advocating for them. My wish for you is that you feel encouraged today.