Why it sucks to go to Babies R Us sometimes!
A few weeks ago, I was looking through some old archives at an internet message board where I’ve been a member for approximately 6 years. The topic of the board centers around Moms with children born in January 2001 – a “Mommy Playgroup” if you will. And this particular playgroup centers on my “typical” son, and not my “special needs” daughter.
I found a post I had written about some of my difficulties early on with Jenelle. It was moving to see how far I’ve come – but also a reminder that this journey through the land of special needs is such a roller coaster of emotions. I thought I’d share parts of that post here, so you could remember that you once felt the same, or maybe that someone new to this experience will find comfort in knowing these feelings are very normal.
read more
August 19, 2003
(note: Jenelle was only 9 months old at the time, and at this time, we did not know she was having seizures. We just knew that she was "delayed" and did not have any other diagnosis.)
I haven't shared any of this here yet... I mostly post these feelings on the support group boards I've found for special needs kids. I just realized that I should share all sides of this with all of you and not just share Jenelle's updates and improvements, so here goes …
I had to go to Babies R Us last night to get some formula -they are the cheapest around for the bulk size of Good Start. It didn't bother me before, but now it gets to me. You see all these babies, grasping at things on shelves, sitting up, babbling, etc. Then you see all these baby gifts like baby books, milestone charts, calendars, teething rings, walkers, bicycles, etc. I look at some of the toys, and think, that might help Jenelle, and then see the age range is for a baby 0 months to 6 months and that reminds me again. That part of this journey is so hard.
Two weeks ago I hit my low, and posted about it at a special needs board. Everyone there understood what I was experiencing and I got some great feedback and support. Then that night, I went grocery shopping, and at the checkout the cashier asked if I wanted to donate a dollar to “Jerry's Kids” and I lost it again mumbling while fighting back tears that I had my own “Jerry’s Kid” at home. Friends of mine are pregnant again or have recently had new babies. It hurts to hear about their newborns and their recent accomplishments. I keep them posted about Jenelle, but I never share these feelings I'm sharing here. It hurts to hear that a 3 month old has mastered rolling, to know that Jenelle only started doing it last week at the age of 6 months. It hurts to hear a Mommy complain about her Baby pulling her hair, when I wish Jenelle would even take an interest in playing with mine.
I get over these feelings pretty quickly and remember this is a stressful time we are experiencing, and that I'm not the first parent to have a child with special needs. Then I go to Babies R Us for formula... and I’m hit with the pain all over again.
Just wanted to share that I am experiencing both sides of things. I know you all would understand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Remember the pain of the unknown? How do we overcome it – or do we just learn to accept it? These feels are still fresh, but the sting isn’t as painful. There is hope and things do get better. If you are just starting this journey – remember that! You will find a way to survive, and make it through!
I found a post I had written about some of my difficulties early on with Jenelle. It was moving to see how far I’ve come – but also a reminder that this journey through the land of special needs is such a roller coaster of emotions. I thought I’d share parts of that post here, so you could remember that you once felt the same, or maybe that someone new to this experience will find comfort in knowing these feelings are very normal.
read more
August 19, 2003
(note: Jenelle was only 9 months old at the time, and at this time, we did not know she was having seizures. We just knew that she was "delayed" and did not have any other diagnosis.)
I haven't shared any of this here yet... I mostly post these feelings on the support group boards I've found for special needs kids. I just realized that I should share all sides of this with all of you and not just share Jenelle's updates and improvements, so here goes …
I had to go to Babies R Us last night to get some formula -they are the cheapest around for the bulk size of Good Start. It didn't bother me before, but now it gets to me. You see all these babies, grasping at things on shelves, sitting up, babbling, etc. Then you see all these baby gifts like baby books, milestone charts, calendars, teething rings, walkers, bicycles, etc. I look at some of the toys, and think, that might help Jenelle, and then see the age range is for a baby 0 months to 6 months and that reminds me again. That part of this journey is so hard.
Two weeks ago I hit my low, and posted about it at a special needs board. Everyone there understood what I was experiencing and I got some great feedback and support. Then that night, I went grocery shopping, and at the checkout the cashier asked if I wanted to donate a dollar to “Jerry's Kids” and I lost it again mumbling while fighting back tears that I had my own “Jerry’s Kid” at home. Friends of mine are pregnant again or have recently had new babies. It hurts to hear about their newborns and their recent accomplishments. I keep them posted about Jenelle, but I never share these feelings I'm sharing here. It hurts to hear that a 3 month old has mastered rolling, to know that Jenelle only started doing it last week at the age of 6 months. It hurts to hear a Mommy complain about her Baby pulling her hair, when I wish Jenelle would even take an interest in playing with mine.
I get over these feelings pretty quickly and remember this is a stressful time we are experiencing, and that I'm not the first parent to have a child with special needs. Then I go to Babies R Us for formula... and I’m hit with the pain all over again.
Just wanted to share that I am experiencing both sides of things. I know you all would understand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Remember the pain of the unknown? How do we overcome it – or do we just learn to accept it? These feels are still fresh, but the sting isn’t as painful. There is hope and things do get better. If you are just starting this journey – remember that! You will find a way to survive, and make it through!
posted by Kelly at 5:31 PM
5 Comments:
We had a diagnosis right away, but the pain of the "sinking in" period is so fresh in my mind. I still sometimes am "hit" by it in unexpected ways (just as you described, but for us it was a donation to Shodair Children's Hospital). Thankfully, time is lessening the blow, and sometimes, on the occassional day, it doesn't bother me in the least. Thanks for sharing.
Hello Kelly,
If you don't mind sharing would you e-mail me some of the special needs parenting boards? I have tried to find them...but I am not having any luck! Thanks. Janelle is beautiful!
My e-mail is afoley@park6.k12.wy.us
Thank you,
Angie - CYE! :)
I needed this so much today. Thank you.
We are still in the process of getting a diagnosis for our sweet KayTar...and it is so difficult at times. I am hit any time I see what a child her age is doing...when I visit my birth club board and see the children walking and running and climbing and talking, it hits me...when I recieve a weekly bulletin about what my toddler is doing developmentally, it hits me. This post was wonderful...it incapsulates those emotions perfectly.
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