10 Reasons to Give Thanks for Your Child with Special Needs

1.  You never have to worry about worrying over nothing.  Let other parents obsess over the frivolous and the shallow. Your child will make sure you always have something to worry about.

2.  Developmental delays = more years of hugs, kisses, and the little-kid sweetness.  I love being able to still cuddle McKenzie and at her rate of growth I'll always be able to cuddle McKenzie.

3. Maybe someday, Ty Pennington will come build you a house!  Extreme Makeovers: Home Edition loves families of children with special needs.  Your little one may be your ticket to a lavish living space!  Although in our case, daddy built us that living space... I need Ty to finish it!

4.  Any little milestone is a cause to throw a party.  Your child works so hard for every step, sit-up and syllable, giving you lots to be excited about.

5.  Every day is a learning experience.  Some days it's a pop quiz, some days it's a crash course, but life with your child is always and education.  Since becoming a mommy I've also become a therapist, doctor, nutritionist, transit authority, lawyer...

6.  You have the privilege of putting several doctor's children through college.  Someone once asked me how I had a certain doctor's cell number.  I simply replied "It's one of the perks of paying his mortgage and car payment."

7.  You meet a better class of parent in waiting rooms and support groups  Your child frees you from having to hang out with those snotty parents on the playground, and gives you entry into an exclusive club of people who are sensitive, sarcastic, and sure of their priorities.

8.  You have an iron-clad escape excuse for any occasion.  You'd love to stay at that boring party, crowded event, endless church services, but, you know, your child just can't tolerate it.  It also moves you to the front of the line at Disney!  I overheard a little boy tell his mother "Thank goodness we have her with us!" as they approached the long line.

9.  Coming up with new strategies every day keeps your brain sharp.  They say doing crossword puzzles helps ward off Alzheimer's.  Figuring out your child's schedules and treatments and lessons and rights and restrictions must easily provide twice the protection.

10. Your blessings will always be fully counted.  You will never take for granted a gift that your child brings to you.  Not ever.

I found this awesome article written by Terri Mauro (http://specialchildren.about.com) and had to post with a little of my own experiences. Thank you Terri for this great list!

Story Of Cosmetics

Same View Different Eyes

Almost six years ago, I lost my mother, who was 83, to breast cancer and Alzheimers.  Recently, a very good friend reminded of a funny story. Without keeping my humor I would have never survived the pain.

One evening, my family was at an Italian restaurant for dinner. My mom leaned over and said pointing "That man over there is staring at me." Knowing the in's and out's of Alzheimers and having children of my own, I smiled and said "Don't worry about it mom, eat your dinner - don't point."

Time passed and again she tells me with a little more force "That man over there is staring at me." "Mom, please don't worry about it, eat your dinner he's probably not even looking at you." "Oh, yes, he is!" my mother tells me.

This time with anger, she tells me "JULIE ANN!!! That man is staring at me and I'm going to go say something to him!!!" "Okay Okay Okay! I got it!!!" I stop her from leaving the table, but now I have to go confront this man. Being the good and concerned daughter that I am, I nervously ask my mom to point out the man staring at her.

Let me tell you.... I marched right over to this man, that happened to be the carved butler statue standing at the entrance of the restaurant holding wine glasses and a bread basket, demanding that he quit staring at my mother! The owner of the restaruant was happy to turn the butler statue in a different direction until we left.

To often we are quick to judge a dress hanging in the window, a person, a job opportunity, a relationship, a friendship - based on the way we first see it. Something or someone could change your life, but you won't or didn't take time to really see it. You already "knew all about it" or "all about that person", and possibly missed the opportunity.

My mom adopted me when I was four days old. My mom put me on the school bus every morning. My mom tied my shoes, combed my hair and gave me style.  My mom raised me in church.  My mom taught me to laugh, love, live and lie about your shoe size.  My mom taught me to have the same view with different eyes.

I love you mom!