A continuation of my original blog, "Surviving Motherhood". |
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Welcome to my world of middle school, high school, and motherhood. The life of a mom is never easy, especially as children grow, and especially when you have a special needs child. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only ** |
| Journey and I have been talking a lot lately. I'm quite glad we are, because we're covering topics we wouldn't usually. I appreciate all the time she's putting into this with me, it means a lot. We were discussing hear idea for her Silver Award project in Cadettes. I explained to her how making the fidgets is important, and going to the schools and delivering them is important as well, but the biggest piece of the puzzle that she needs to do is to talk about how important fidgets are for kids like her. I know this is a hard topic for her. There are quite a few days when she doesn't want to admit that she has autism or ADHD. Sometimes she wishes she was just average and neurotypical, and in a way, I can't blame her. But, without her testimony, the project doesn't have the same authenticity to it or the same importance to it the way it would if she were to tell the kids that she knows first hand why these fidgets are needed. When I explained that a couple of days ago to her, she was right on board, and she was willing to do what it took to put this project in the air. At this time, we can't work on the project, because we need to work on the journey first. I will guide and facilitate as much of their project as I can once the journey is over. I think it's wise to start off that way instead, just to cover our bases and make sure that we're headed in the right direction. I don't ever want her to hate who she is. I don't ever want her to think that autism or ADHD are bad words, or that she's a terrible person because she has them. I want her to know that, although they're challenges to have, that doesn't make her any less than anyone else. She deserves to be here just like everyone else does. I want her to shine who she is to the world, and let them know that she's amazing no matter what. I hope she believes that from here on out. I'll be sure to remind her every step of the way. |