My life was like any other mom’s until my daughter had a stroke. Play dates, doctor’s appointments, home life, etc… were like most people’s. After the stroke everything changed, because my little one had to learn to talk, walk, potty train, eat, and do many other things all over again. I am so thankful to God that her recovery is almost over. We still go to therapy for fine motor skills for her hand and she has a foot drop (meaning she doesn’t quite put her heal on the ground when she walks) on her right side.
Over these almost four years, I have cried when I have seen her struggle when she is playing with her friends. I have hurt when I see her realizing that she is not like the other kids. I have pain when I see her frustrated when she can’t play instruments or sports like her sister and friends.
I have also been proud of her determination to keep on going and to try everything regardless of how hard it can be for her right hand to do. I have learned to embrace my new daughter and the new dynamics we face. I have learned to not compare her to anyone. I have learned and still learning (one of the hardest things for me) to be patient, very very very patient. I have learned that parenting is not one size fits all and that we need to embrace each child for who they are. I have learned that God loves me more than I can imagine and will give me the strength I need for my new life.
Most important lesson
I have learn to celebrate other kids victories, especially when they are my kids age and my daughter still can’t do that. I have learned to affirm other kids and be happy for their parents, even when they are not really thinking of how I could feel when they are bragging about their kids. 😭😭😭 (me right now as I am typing). I have learned not to compare my daughter to them, because mine is unique and wonderful.
I have learned that I have an amazing daughter and I am blessed to be her mom. I am sad when I am reminded that she has a disability, like the doctor told me after the stroke, but this doesn’t define who she is. This only reminds us that we have to take an alternative route in parenting and in learning other things, but we will get there with God’s help.
Our journey is our own and our victories are greater than any other kids, because we had to work double. For all of those parents out there that can relate to me because your precious child lives with dynamics other kids don’t live with, let’s remember we are parenting champions. Our kids are so unique and resilient that it is not fair to compare them to others, instead let’s remember ours were born to be winners. For some each breath, each step, each word they can speak, each eye movement, each grade they pass…..is a victory!!!!!! We were given champions to raise and we are blessed to have them and learn so much from them.
So today and every day I celebrate others success! When I am tempted to compare I remind myself, that my champion is unique and she doesn’t need comparison, as a matter of fact, no child deserves to be compared.
Let’s celebrate our kids together.
When other parents brag about their kids, I celebrate their joys, even if mine is not there yet!
