top of page
Feb 2, 2018

Life of a Special Needs Mom

mom

Hayden



As a blogger, my goal is to not only put words on a page.   I want those words to be an experience for my readers.  My ultimate goal is to develop an experience in which my readers can empathize with individuals with disabilities.  I spend a part of my work week reading other blogs.  It allows me to develop my own skills and to step into the shoes of others.



Facebook offers various subject based groups.  I belong to multiple groups, mostly disability and blogging related.  Early this week I came across a post in one of those groups.  The words of this post allowed me to step into my mom’s shoes, to see through her eyes over the years.  To feel what she felt as I was growing up.




We reached out to the author of those words, wanting to share her poem.  Thankfully, she was open to sharing her poem and story through my blog. Take a moment and step into the shoes of Brittni, a mom of a child with special needs.  See what she sees, hear what she hears and feel what she feels.

I’m That Mom

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom you look at with curious eyes as I push my sons wheelchair by you.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom you feel sorry for when I’m trying to load my son, groceries, and his gear all in my car alone.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who listens to you give an explanation to your child about “what’s wrong with him” for your insight. There’s nothing wrong. He’s perfect the way he is.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom you look at in disgust as I let my son squeal and be loud because that’s how he shows he’s excited.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom you look at with judgement in your eyes as I let my son throw his fit because I know nothing will change it as long as he’s safe he can throw a fit.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom you look at and think about how lucky you have it with your award winning soccer player.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom you blow off because you don’t want your child around one like mine.

I’m that mom.

But I’m also that mom who has to try and explain to my son why people look at him the way they do.

I’m that mom who has to bite her tongue when I catch you staring at my child like he’s contagious.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who hopes you will give the right explanation to your child about my son’s chair.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who comforts her son every night after his body lets him relax.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who wishes everyday others could see what it was like to live this life style.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who knows love isn’t defined by ability, but by mindset.

I’m that mom.

I’m that mom who just wants her son to fit in. I’m that mom. I will always be that mom.

mom

Brittni and Hayden



About the Author

I’m Brittni. I’m a single mom to a son named Hayden. When I was 35 weeks pregnant I had a fever of 104 that caused Hayden to have an in-utero stroke. This stroke was the start of our journey into the world of special needs. Hayden was diagnosed with spastic hemiplegia and schizencephaly at 11 months old.

As any parent this news was heart breaking. What was I supposed to do? I had never heard of either diagnosis before. With amazing friends and family, I learned how to adjust to this crazy new lifestyle. I’ve learned to accept the challenges that come with being a special needs mom.

I wake up each day thankful we have another chance to show the world that special needs children are just like everyone else. They just want to be loved and fit in with everyone else. As a mom to a little boy with special needs it’s my goal to raise awareness to those around us to make sure everyone sees just how hard yet rewarding this life is. Just because we live it differently doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy all the little things it has to offer.


Thank you Brittni for sharing your words and a glimpse into your life.  To learn more about spastic hemiplegia click here.  To learn more about schizencephaly click here.

Until next time, Keep Rollin’ and Keep Smilin’

Comments

bottom of page