To the parent of a child with special needs

The parent who wishes they could change the world’s view of their child’s normal, which is not like every other child’s normal.

The parent who dreads every single school run. The school run that ends in the walk of shame. Because your special child, is just being normal.

I see you.

The parent who lives in a shell with their special child because you dread every single outing.

The parent trying to hold it together whilst your special child is having a meltdown; because that’s their normal.

I see you.

The parent who is begging for help. Because you know your child isn’t every other child’s normal, but their special kind of normal.

The parent who is crumbling under the pressure of living with the difficulties your special normal child faces every. single. day.

I see you.

The parent who is sad that their special child is forever excluded from peer events, like birthday parties.

The parent who is sad that this even extends to their siblings.

I see you.

The parent who is reading this.

The parent who feels isolated.

I see you.

I see me.

I’m the one walking there, standing there, holding back the tears, head held in shame. But why should I be ashamed?

This is my special child. This is his normal.

My child can’t help the way he is. He just needs understanding. He needs me.

I need to be strong. Even if I don’t feel it, I need to show it. I need to fight for him.

He is my strength. He’s made me the mother I am today.

I see you – reading this. You are not alone. I stand with you. We have the fight, the strength, the courage. 

We have the special kind of normal.