Perspective: From the heart of a special needs father:
You are lucky because you never use words like autism, spectrum, bipolar, sensory, anti-psychotic, manic or nonverbal in relation to your children and may not even know what they mean. I am all to familiar with them and wish I wasn't.
You are lucky because your kids have friends, even if they could pick them better. Mine don't have any and that breaks my heart.
You are lucky because your kids curse and are disrespectful. Mine have never said a word and I would give anything to hear him say Daddy.
You are lucky your kids wear clothes even though you can't stand their tastes. Mine can't stand the feel of clothes on their skin.
You are lucky you have to take your kids to practice and run like crazy shuttling them around. I will likely never have that opportunity.
You are lucky you can't get your kids to eat their vegetables. I can't get mine to stop eating things that aren't food.
Your are lucky your kids have a boyfriend or girlfriend even if you think they are wrong for each other. Mine likely won't ever have the experience.
You are lucky your kids break curfew or sneak out to a party. Mine won't even be invited.
You are lucky to go places on the holiday's even if you'd rather stay home or can't stand your family. My kids can't handle the holiday's let alone the get together's.
You are lucky to have extended family and even friends. Most of ours have long since left because our life was to complicated.
You are lucky your kids will build their own lives. I'm terrified of what will happen to them if I die.
Perspective is an amazing thing. Hug your kids and never take anything for granted.
LT
