Challenges of A Mother With A Special Needs Son
Motherhood is often associated with maturity and achievement in a woman's life. It is also the hardest job a woman has ever done. It is knowing joy, even while experiencing the hardest trials of life. A mother comprise of a bundle of emotions that sometimes defy reason and frequently refer to the use of common sense and intuition in raising children—no special knowledge is required and many of these practices are grounded in some biological instinct.
There are so many things I love about being a mom, it is loving my children so much that I feel constant fear, fear that I am not a good mother. Worry when my children are ill, sad when they're unhappy. It is relentless, worrying, emotionally-draining work. My youngest child has an Epileptic Cerebral Palsy and he is now 19 years old.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a disability caused by brain damage that restricts normal movement and coordination in different parts of the body and has many degrees of severity. The word “cerebral” refers to the brain’s cerebrum, which is the part of the brain that regulates motor function. “Palsy” describes the paralysis of voluntary movement in certain parts of the body. Cerebral palsy does not generally affect life expectancy. Depending on how the condition is managed, motor skills can improve or decline over time. While symptoms and severity vary from case to case, most people diagnosed with this condition go on to lead a rich, fulfilling life.Cerebral Palsy Guide
My son's pediatrician recommended to see a Child Development Specialist when he was 3 years old and was advised to have physical and occupational therapy. I followed her advised and my son went through several therapy sessions, but due to financial constraints and I am out of job, I discontinue his therapy. He cannot talk, walk and cannot even sit on his own but he can comprehend. Now that he is older, he has scoliosis and his right foot is twisted known as CLUBFOOT.
Honestly, it really beats me financially as it is hard to make both ends meet. His disability makes me strong and I took it as a challenge. My supportive family makes it easy for everyone especially to him who is affected by it. He needs deep understanding, unconditional love and unending patience. It breaks my heart seeing him that way, so fragile and helpless. Everyday is a sacrifice with new things and new lessons to learn which is a continuing process. Learning how to handle his tantrums, his ability to deliver what he wants and what not. It is like a gray day with intermittent bursts of sunshine, and these occasional breaks in the cloud is what I try to focus on.
Life is great, but life is even better once you have been blessed to become a mom. God has sent people whose hands are open and ready to help me in anyway they can. Thank you Lord though it is difficult, my faith to you becomes stronger everyday because you are always with me.
