As with any parent, raising a daughter with special needs is a 24 hour a day job. The difference is, there are many times with her when there is no break. It can seem unending. And hopeless.
I said to my dad once that I wished I could just have one year of respite; a normal life, with a normal kid, just like everyone else.
And he gave me a piece of advice that has truly sustained me over the past few years. He said (and obviously, I’m paraphrasing) “You know, your rest may never come in the form of a whole year, or a whole month, or even a whole week. God will give you rest, but it may be in small bursts instead. So take the good days, and bank them. That’s your respite.”
I started following his advice, and it has made a huge difference. Because instead of waiting for that bigmomentinthefuturewheneverythingisgoingtobegreatforawhile, now I see the small moments. The little victories. And I appreciate them for what they are: Little respites given by God. Little breaks. Little breaths.
Thanks, God, for the rest.
funny girl 
That’s good advice 😀 I do try to follow…but as you know, I still have my bad days 😀
Your in good company! Thanks for the advice. I miss you!
One day at a time…AMEN!
Wow. Now I love your Dad. And, I understand your feelings. I know about wanting just one outing, just one day to go smoothly and ‘normally.’ Your an amazing mom.
Mine faux-graduated from high school this weekend (certificate pending 2 summer school classes). I was such a proud mamma to see him finally walk the stage. At that moment, I took a deep breath and rested. But that is all I will allow myself. Now it all starts again with real life, a much harder task. He still needs me.