I didnt space out my children on purpose. Sometimes I feel like I have to hand people back their eyeballs when I tell them the age ranges of my children. 1, 11, and 20! My eldest is my son. And often times my right hand man when it comes to helping with his sisters. Sometimes when its just him, me and the baby, we get funny looks, whispers and disbelief! Am I the grandma of that baby? Are we a couple? We have stopped getting agry at the ignorance and we enjoy the humor of it. No Im not the stereotypical soccer mom. Im far from it! I curse, I have tattoos, I work as hard as or more than your average man to make sure my kids are taken care of. Im not the damsel in distress if I get a flat tire and yes I know how to change the oil in my car too! But that doesnt make me any less or worse of a mother because my kids are fed, clothed, and loved! But it still makes me a target to be judged. But I wouldnt rewind my life to change a thing! Im glad Im not the princess girly girl that has to rely on others because I dont want to get dirty or break a nail. If the pilot light for the furnace goes out, I have no problem getting in the crawl space to relight it. As Jaylyn grows into the little person she is, I see that she does not fit in the same box as other babies her age. And Im ok with that! Samaura, my 11 year old is a career high honor roll student that doesnt follow the crowd and keeps her eye on the prize! She wants to be a scientist. Something tells me she will indeed become one. Dev is the late bloomer into adulthood and is going back to school but still values my opinion, even about growing out his facial hair. I am proud of all of them! I am always flattered when I get compliments on how polite my children are. Apparently thats a rarity these days. Im proud of how they handle themselves in situations that would infuriate and spark a negative reaction. When we are out with Jaylyn and shes wearing her MAFOS, they do attract attention. Stares. Whispers. Looks of pity. Its pretty sad that we have to go out in public forarmed with responses just in case someone decides to take the next step and say something ignorant and insensitive. And yes it has happened. Jaylyn is oblivious to it all but Dev and Sam are not. I cant imagine how difficult it must be to be a sibling of a special needs child. Its pretty tough on me and I do rely on their help....A LOT! So when they get an opportunity to have some normalcy or an escape, I support it. Samaura plays field hockey but also understands if I cant make it to one of her games. Dev works and goes to school. So if hes playing video games online with his friends or plays touch football in the field down the street, at least hes not home constantly being asked to help with Jaylyn. Whenever I ask, they are both more than eager to help. But I cant help but worry that they might get burned out. I know I have my moments where I need a break too! My escape is often going to work... As a nurse.... Of special needs children. Not much of an escape when I am a care giver 24/7,my child or not. But its different. I have always loved.my job. And now probably more so! I have also embarked on a direct sales venture that I absolutely love and using the profits toward Jaylyn's care. A simple cold for her led to a 2 week ordeal of 3 visits to the pediatrician. A trip to the ER and 2 different antibiotics due to a serious allergic reaction. She is ok now and back to her usual happy self! I couldnt help but enjoy watching a riveting game of "this little piggy" between her and Samaura this afternoon before Samaura had to pack for a sleep over. See? The not so typical family is more tight knit and "normal" than most. We just dont feel the need to pretend to be picture perfect. Because we are not. And neither is anyone else!
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