Monday, May 19, 2008

Life Becomes Her


Today I read a comment that someone posted, I don't remember it exactly, but the gist was that they had met many more people WITH their child than they would have ever met WITHOUT him. I realized this true for me too. Parenthood is like a little club. And parenting a special needs kid is like being a member of an exclusive club with all the cool people. (As you all know, I'm exclusive and cool, so quite naturally I was going to be a member.)

It has been amazing how people you don't know and probably would have never been in contact with otherwise are so open and sharing intimate details about their family's lives. In just a week, thanks to some kind words and encouragement from other parents of kids with Williams Syndrome, I've stopped feeling like a freak and more like I will actually be able to handle raising Amina. (Sort of)

I am looking forward to meeting other parents and kids with Williams and exchanging notes on what they do when their kids are screaming bloody murder in public, or waking up in the middle of the night, or refusing to eat out of a spoon and wanting to feed themselves even though they can't really chew and choke when they eat thick foods or not wanting to use a sippy cup and wanting to use a regular open cup even though they spill stuff all over the place then mommy has to clean it up and we're already running late to physical therapy and it's your 4th trip to the hospital this week because of all the appointments and...wait, what was I talking about again? Oh yes, it will be nice to meet people with similar issues and concerns.

I'm turning 29 today and I have been reflecting on all the blessings/obstacles/adventures life has thrown my way...and the best one of all, of course, is Amina.

11 comments:

Paul said...

Happy Birthday, Ginneh! Looks to me like Amina will be your best birthday present ever!

Paul from Toronto
(parent to WS kid)

Tes said...

Happy birthday girl! take a moment and give yourself and your husband a pat on the back, parenting is a rough job regardless, then throw in our precious bundles and bam! I know people may think i harp on parent therapy but here is the deal if you are going through all these emotions/concerns/panics aside from being a brand new parent, then a professional should be able to help you navigate those issues/feelings. Our early intervention here in Texas offers family counseling if you ask for it. At times i saw her alone or my husband saw her alone, mostly we saw her together. It helps immensely to have the suggestions and input. I think of my blog as my journal good or bad, it is going to be posted for my sanity.
take care and welcome friend
Lila's mommy

Julie said...

Happy Birthday!! I wanted to tell you that when Noah wanted to start feeding himself he did really well with the Gerber Graduate pasta pick ups. I cut them up really small which sounds ridiculous when you see how small they already are but you gotta do what you have to so these kiddos will eat. Welcome. I am so glad to have met you.

Amy said...

Hi! Amina is gorgeous! Happy Bday! Nice to meet ya. My blog about my WS duaghter, Avery, is invite only, if you would like to be added as a reader please send me your email address to ddaisyy@yahoo.com.
xoxo
Amy

Ginneh Akbar said...

Thank you everyone!

camille said...

Happy Birthday! I hope we get to meet you at the railroad. Are you guys planning on coming?

Laura said...

Just wanted to say "HI". Amina is beautiful. I found your blog through Tes. I also have a daughter with WS. feel free to stop by my blog.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday!

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