Recently I found out my friends baby has a generic condition which is incredibly rare. From reading her blog I see the emotional rollercoaster she and her partner have been on over the past year and I can also see the love and dedication to the cheeky little boy who is blessing their lives.
Every mother has dreams for her child. It starts before they are born and as we meet our precious bundle, our dreams for them develop and change. As I get to know Grace, I worry about more specific things. She is a serious little girl, will she carry the weight of the world on her shoulders like her Mum? Will she be shy? How can I help her be brave?
It feels at times overwhelming. I can only imagine the added layer of stress for parents of a child with a disability or health issue.
And yet I also know that the strength of a parent can be incredible. When putting the child first, you can do anything. I also know the joy that your child brings you through a smile, a coo or a look, quickly cancels out all the stress and hard work.
I salute parents who have a child with a disability. If baby raising was a sport, I know I'm training for a triathlon, while you are gearing up for a decathlon.