I had believed we had more time—a stretch of time before the world outside our home began to recognize my son’s unique differences. While I’m prepared for the reactions from adults—those sympathetic smiles from older shoppers or the judgmental glances from mothers at the playground—I underestimated how soon children would notice. My son isn’t even four; I thought we had more time to shield him from that awareness.
Just yesterday, we were enjoying a delightful afternoon at the park. Three young girls, no older than five, dashed around the play structure, their pigtails bouncing with every laugh. Their joy filled the air, a beautiful sound that accompanied their colorful outfits.
I noticed them watching my son as he joyfully jumped up and down, spun in circles, and expressed his excitement through vocalizations—communicating as much as he could despite his speech limitations. His laughter was infectious, radiating happiness. But then, it happened.
As the girls raced past him, one touched his arm, and another shouted, “Weird!” before they all burst into giggles and ran away. In that moment, time froze—not for my son, who continued to revel in his playful world, but for me. The overwhelming sadness washed over me as I realized that he indeed stands out, and the children around him are aware.
Have you ever felt a weight so profound that you momentarily struggle to breathe before instinct kicks in, reminding you to inhale and exhale? It’s a crushing sensation, one that no one prepares you for when you embark on the journey of motherhood. The ache that comes from loving someone unconditionally, feeling an instinctual need to protect that little person from the world, is magnified when you parent a child with special needs.
I cannot shield my son from the world’s harsh realities—none of us can. But I can ensure he knows he is cherished just as he is, accepted without conditions, and that being different is not a flaw but a unique trait.
As my son slid down the playground slide, I enveloped him in a warm hug and whispered, “You are my sunshine. Before I met you, I longed for you. Mama loves you to the moon and back.” In my heart, I believe he understands my words, even if he cannot articulate a response.
I know he hears my love louder than the unkind remarks from those who don’t yet comprehend. And that gives me strength.
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Summary
Parenting a child with special needs can be a heart-wrenching experience, filled with moments of joy and pain. As parents, we may face challenges when our children’s differences become noticeable to others. It’s vital to instill a sense of love and acceptance in our children, reminding them that being unique is a strength.