To those who notice my daughter’s unique gait and deliberate pace with physical activities and assume she lacks ability: You really don’t know my daughter.
To those who see her speech delays and think she’s not aware of her surroundings: You don’t know my daughter.
To those who see her struggle to write her first initial while her peers easily jot down their names and conclude she isn’t smart: You don’t know my daughter.
To those who glance at her list of special needs diagnoses and think she’s different from other children: You don’t know my daughter.
To those who read her test scores and underestimate her potential: You don’t know my daughter.
To those who perceive her shy demeanor and believe she’ll never keep pace: You don’t know my daughter.
To those who hold back on challenging her for fear of failure: You don’t know my daughter.
What you don’t realize is that she possesses incredible strength and can swing on the monkey bars with confidence. You don’t know that she has a golden heart and is sensitive to the emotions of those around her, picking up on even the faintest cues. You might not see that she engages in meaningful conversations with those who take the time to connect with her, despite her limited vocabulary.
You don’t know that she is deeply thoughtful and has a remarkable memory for even the tiniest details. You don’t know that she is excited about school and can hardly wait to start kindergarten this fall. You may not be aware that she has been part of early intervention programs since she was just 5 months old and continues to make amazing strides every day.
Since the day she was born, she has defied the odds, facing more challenges in her short life than many adults ever will. She’s a warrior who underwent two open-heart surgeries by the time she turned 8 months old, and she carries both literal and metaphorical scars that tell her story of resilience.
You don’t know that she is a caring big sister who beams with pride over her baby brother. You don’t know she adores the scents of lavender and freshly baked banana bread. You might not realize she enjoys watching both Disney shows and The Big Bang Theory.
You don’t know that she has a delightful sense of humor, is quirky, and sharp-witted, bringing laughter to our lives every single day. She is cherished beyond measure by her parents and has a strong support system of family and friends. Though she is only 5 years old, she carries a wisdom that belies her age.
You don’t know that despite not fitting into your expectations, she is just like any other child—playful, musical, and a lover of ice cream. You don’t know that she faces her challenges head-on, driven to reach her goals. If given the opportunity, she will demonstrate just how capable she is.
No, you don’t know my daughter, but I truly wish you did. You’re missing out on something extraordinary.
For more insights on parenting and special needs, check out one of our other blog posts on intracervicalinsemination.org. Also, if you’re considering at-home insemination options, you might want to visit Make a Mom for their reputable syringe kits. Additionally, for information on fertility insurance, UCSF’s fertility resource is an excellent place to start.
In summary, my daughter is a vibrant, loving, and strong individual, full of potential and joy. She deserves to be seen beyond the labels, and I hope those who encounter her take the time to truly understand who she is.
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