Lessons I’ve learned from my Son with Special Needs in 2017

What a year! Where did it go? Seems like it was January 2017 just a few weeks ago.  So much has transpired over the course of the year. Some good, some hiccups.  Today, as I reflect on the year at hand, my heart is filled with awe and joy at the remarkable progress both my sons have made over the year.  

I want to thank my first born for the lessons he has taught me this year.  On Dec. 27^th makes one year since he had his shunt revised. I am convinced it made a world of a difference in conjunction with him becoming a teenager.  He’s like this rare orchid that has finally begun to bloom.  I won’t say he has fully blossomed because he has so much more potential. 

•         You’ve taught me to be patient.  I’ve loved you, believed in you, fought for you, given you all I have and you are growing and blooming. 

•       You’ve taught me to never underestimate you.  Last night as I watched you make Christmas cards for your classmates, teacher and staff, I will admit, I thought you’d write the same message over and over in all of your cards. But you didn’t. You personalized each card.  You were thoughtful, loving and kind.  You do listen and pay attention even when we or others may think you are not.  You even wished one of the staff members a Happy Hanukkah - I didn’t know she was Jewish but you did. You acknowledged her faith and what she has taught you about dreidels, gimel, latkes and gelts.

•         You’ve taught me to be silly. As an adult, it becomes harder and harder sometimes to stop, breathe and savor the moments that are important. The bills will always be there, the house will eventually get cleaned but the time I spend with you and your brother being silly, singing songs, dancing, creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime are short. You will both grow up and we will grow old. I want you to remember all the love and laughter we’ve shared. 

I may be your mother, the person that is supposed to teach you, but you, my kind soul, have been my teacher. I promise to continue to believe in you, lead you in the right path, fight for you because that’s what I do. It wasn’t an accident that we named you Nikolas.

“Slavic Meaning: The name Nikolas is a Slavic baby name. In Slavic the meaning of the name Nikolas is: Victorious; conquerer of the people.”

You, my son are victorious in all you have done and continue to do. You bring joy to people. With your sense of humor, amazing memory, kind heart (and your good looks!) you light up the room. 

Thank you Lord for my two gifts. Thank you for believing in me and bestowing upon me the knowledge, courage, understanding and feistiness, never-taking-no-for-an-answer mentality to be the mother, advocate, mentor, nurse, researcher, provider (fill in the blanks) to my sons. I got you babes. Always. Even when you think I’m crazy, just know that I am fiercely passionate when it comes to the two of you.

Love you forever and ever. The End.