Happy Mother's Day!

We hope all of the Moms out there are taking some much needed 'me' time today.  A time to reflect, rejuvenate and renew.  An often thankless job is that of a mother, so we are saying 'Thank you!" from The Autism Angle.  Thank you for being their advocate, teacher, support and friend. 

A Special-Needs Mother's Day Wish List

By Terri Mauro, About.com Guide  (http://specialchildren.about.com/od/needalaugh/a/momwishlist.htm)

To my loving partner in parenting:
I know you're trying to figure out a Mother's Day present for me (and if you aren't, take this as a big, fat hint). Jewelry is a lovely thought, but not exactly practical, given that our child might steal, break, perseverate on, or require us to hock anything nice to pay for medical expenses. Candy is always appreciated, but since I've just consumed all the children's Easter sweets to save them from obesity, diabetes, and allergens, I'm not really in the mood. Instead, honey, why not pick one of these gifts I'd really love. They may take a little more effort than something in the Hallmark aisle, but they'll make a big difference to me.

1. You know that material I've been asking you to read about our child's disabilities, that stack about 500 pages high? Read it. Now. Really.
2. Do some research of your own for a change and bring me something I haven't seen before. Then explain it to me.
3. Find the home number of every specialist and educator who ever dissed me and make some really good prank phone calls.
4. Offer to stand guard duty at the bathroom door while I take a nice, long, hot bath, free of constant cries of "Moooooooooooooom."
5. Buy some sturdy boxes for storing all the children's school papers, and then believe me when I say I have to save everything they've ever done for possible documentation of learning progress.
6. Buy some sturdy notebooks for storing all the children's specialist reports, and then organize them for me so I can always find the exact one I want in a snap.
7. Sit down with me for one hour to discuss decisions we have to make about our child's behavior, treatment, schooling, and/or future. No TV watching, newspaper reading, or dozing allowed.
8. Next time you're tempted to make some crack about a neighbor or a teacher or a family member that you just know our child is going to repeat out of context at the worst possible time ... don't. Just don't.
9. More precious to me than diamonds and rubies is a good long nap. Make it happen.
10. Next time we have a dispute over discipline, I win. (What's that? I always win anyway? It's the gift that keeps on giving!)



HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

 

A meeting was held quite far from Earth.
It was time again for another birth.
Said the Angels to the Lord above --
This special child will need much love.
Her progress may be very slow,
Accomplishment she may not show.
And she'll require extra care
From the folks she meets down there.
She may not run or laugh or play,
Her thoughts may seem quite far away.
So many times she will be labeled
'different,' 'helpless' and disabled.
So, let's be careful where she's sent.
We want her life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.
They will not realize right away
The leading role they are asked to play.
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith, and richer love.
And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for their gift from heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild
Is heaven's very special child.
~Author Edna Massimilla