Today I became the mother of a 14 year old. How the Hell did that happen? Well, I know how *it* happened, but how did it happen?
Some of you know that my eldest daughter, Ana, is on the autistic spectrum and to say getting to this point has not been an easy ride is an understatement. It always amazes me that we've managed to make it this far relatively unscathed.
Because.
Because, it doesn't matter how much you love them, how much you'd lay your life down for them or how much of a great parent you are, there will come times when parenting a special needs child where you just feel like throwing in the towel. Selfishly stamping your feet and crying, 'This isn't what I signed up for! I don't want to play anymore!'Thankfully for us those days are few and far between, but they do happen. I am just so grateful that we have been able with wonderful support from friends, family and professionals to get through each and every one of those moments. Sadly some families have not been so lucky.
So Happy 14th Birthday Ana, it's been great and at times it has been 'interesting', but we made it together!
Love,
Mum xxx
P.S. The cupcake placement could be better. It could be in my mouth!
To see more reasons to be cheerful, please stop by Mummy From The Heart's Blog.
Happy Birthday to Ana.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and I'm sorry times can be tough.
I have a lot of respect for any parent with a special needs child.
I hope you all have a lovely time celebrating xx
Lovely honest post
ReplyDeleteWell done both of you!
Well I hope that the cupcake did make it to your mouth soon after. Hope you had a fab day and celebrated both of your achievements
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Ava. Lovely post, honest and thoughtful. Congratulations to both of you. Enjoy the cupcake (hope there's more than one :D )
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your beautiful daughter. Pat yourself on the back too.
ReplyDeletehappy birthday Ana - hope you ate the cake ;-)
ReplyDeleteBelated happy birtday to Ana, I hope you had a fab day. Mich x
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Ana and so glad you are all doing so well x
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Ana! I can sympathize with you so much about it not being what you signed up for. I am the mom of a 15 year old named Cooper who was Autistic. He was like living with an angel, always happy and laughing.
ReplyDelete