To the Special Needs Momma

Sweet One,

First of all, I want you to know how blessed you are to be the mother of a special-needs child.  I know that mothering an extra special child isn't necessarily what you chose, what you dreamed of, what you hoped for . . . and yet, here you are.  You are called.  You are chosen.  Even if you don't feel that way (and believe me, there are MANY days that I do NOT feel chosen or called), this is what you are called to, Friend.  For whatever reason, it is your destiny to mother your special child(ren).

Whether you feel like it or not; whether you know it or not; whether you believe it or not, YOU were specifically chosen for YOUR child.  You are a perfect match!  Our Heavenly Father knew what He was doing when He put you together.  You ARE qualified, even when you don't feel that way.  Does that mean that it's always happy, joyful, roses, and daisies?  Heck no!  If you are like me, the majority of the time you are in survival mode, just trying to keep things afloat.  And you know what?  That's an okay place to be!

I want you to know something.  I want you to know that there is total freedom in what you are feeling. Any and all emotions that you experience are normal.  Let them out.  Express those feelings, Sweet One.  You need to find ways to let out your feelings, your heartaches, your yearnings.  You may not need to dwell on those feelings, but you can and must let them out!

I want you to know that you are not alone.  There are many of us out there - mommas to special-needs children.  Mommas who didn't sign up for the daunting tasks of parenting through difficult emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual trials.  It's a club that we are in, and you know what?  We are all in this together.  It is vital that we encourage one another, listen to one another and remind each other that things will change.  Things may not always get better, but they WILL change, and you don't have to face that change alone - good or bad.

Oh, Friend, please know that my heart is WITH you and FOR you.  I am here for you.  I encourage you to surround yourself with a village of people who will love and support you and your family through this time.  Trust me, you cannot make it through alone.  I encourage you to pray.  Pray, even if you don't believe in God.  Cry out to Him, and I assure (with all that I am), that He will reach down and meet you where you are.  We can't do this alone because let's face it - it's just too tough.

Be blessed, Dear One.  Rest in the fact that you are loved and that you are NOT alone.  Ever.

Ryan