When Ewa Omahen met a woman at work who was in a state of despair over her son’s disabilities, she chose to reach out. As a mother of a 15-year-old son with autism, Ewa well understood the challenges that go hand-in-hand with raising children with special needs. Take a look at the touching letter Ewa wrote encouraging the mother to always celebrate her child for the gifts that he brings.
A Letter to a Fellow Parent Walking in My Shoes:
I know how hard it is to let go of dreams and expectations. The reminders of possibilities of what could have been and will not be abound wherever I look. My friends’ and family’s kids are growing up, graduating from high school then college, getting jobs, starting families. With every graduation celebration and every wedding we attend, I reminisce some more about what could have been and is not in the cards for us as a family. It is hard to let go of one’s plans and dreams. There are more tears, more sadness, more grief, more worries about our children’s future.
In the midst of all this, I often neglect to celebrate my child for who he is. I do not notice the joy on his face of simply being, living in the moment, enjoying simple things. I grieve, yet he continues to look up to me with so much love, innocence, trust, and forgiveness.
Each day, I make a promise to myself that I will try harder to celebrate the gifts he brings daily to me and to this world. I will get better at understanding his way of teaching me and others about patience, compassion, and unconditional love.
Today I will stop and look more carefully into his eyes and once more ask for his forgiveness for my disappointment, sadness, and loss. I will take the time to notice the beauty, innocence, and light he brings into this world. Once again, I will thank him for the gifts he brings into my life. Today I will worry less and celebrate him more for the special gift that he is.
Mom of a “Differently-abled” Child
This article was featured in Issue 66 – Finding Calm and Balance
