07/11/2025
To find those people willing to learn how to help them. That's key. Look for your tribeđ
Let them try.
That was the advice a friend with a disability gave me about parenting children with disabilities.
When my son was a baby, I didnât realize how hard those words would be to live by.
Because- I see the stares from kids and adults alike.
Because- I see how he is not wanted in spaces where he needs accommodations.
Because- my son is more vulnerable- I have a radar to the man-made barriers he faces every day.
& then- this weekend- with the encouragement of my family members- I let those old words guide me. I sent him out to dinner and then the theatre to watch a play with his teenage cousins without any adults present.
He thrived. He came home beaming.
He thrived because of the support his cousins gave him.
He thrived because he felt the thrill of greater independence.
He thrived because I let him try.
Part of my job as his mom is to protect him.
& I cannot protect him so much that it prevents him from living.
So, as we cross from the little kid years into this middle space- I will let my friendâs words push me more-
Even when I am scared.
Even when I am unsure.
Even when I feel overwhelmed-
I will let him try.
If this spoke to you, my new book Overwhelmed & Grateful will too: https://amzn.to/45fhRLp