It’s that time of year again! I am making resolutions, as I always do. I try to make my resolutions small and manageable. One year, I stopped buying magazines for 12 months. I had plenty passed along to me and I borrowed them from the library. The good news is that I accomplished my goal and saved myself a ton of money in the process.
This year, as I move into acceptance of my daughter’s intellectual disability, I am excited to make some resolutions relating to Precious. These resolutions are loftier than the ones I usually chose, but I feel that I’m ready to commit to them. These resolutions don’t just apply to Precious, but also to my other kids. It’s just that they don’t need as much help from me as Precious does.
1. Never underestimate her. She will surprise me from time to time. Just when I hear myself saying “can’t”, I will remind myself to let her try. DH took her downhill skiing this week and she loved it!
2. I will advocate for her, for whatever I think she needs. Sometimes the ‘experts’ will be on my side, and sometimes they won’t. My husband and I know Precious better than anyone in the world. School boards, doctors, etc who question my opinion will be challenged!
3. I will never stop learning. I will seek out information from the community – both special needs and not. I might learn from someone who has been there before, who has tried something different, or who has a different opinion from me. Sometimes I will find people I disagree with and that reinforce that what I am doing is right for my family.
4. I will cherish all successes, no matter how small.
5. I will not get upset when my child makes a scene in a public place or when people look at her in that way that tells me they know she’s not ‘quite right’.
6. I will take the time to explain things to my other children and allow them a safe place to talk about their needs.
7. I will take care of myself and my marriage through friendship, good food, work, hobbies and exercise.