We just finished up a big meeting where a bunch of the people who help Atti get care all get together in a room and discuss how he’s doing and what we want him to do better, and like any good blogger I couldn’t let them leave without snapping a picture.
I give thanks at least once a day that I live in California, where early intervention is such a high priority and the state funds such amazing programs, but I also give thanks for the amazing team of people I’m surrounded by who want nothing but the best for Atticus and show him such genuine love and care.
One of the questions they ask in this meeting is, “Who gives your family the support you need.” They want to make sure you’re not dealing with everything on your own. That you have family or friends, a community, helping you to deal with all the responsibilities that come with a child with special needs. It took me a second to come up with an answer that wasn’t, “Well, I’ve got you guys!”
I almost wish every mother could have their very own team of specialists. There have been so many times when I felt like I didn’t know what I was doing and there were all these people who were there to help me figure it out. When I start to beat myself up I have a team that shows me how much I’m doing. When I worry that I’m not getting it right, there is a line of people telling me how I am.
I don’t have a mom or grandma to provide those encouraging voices. My sisters all live far away. But we still have our team, cheering us on, recognizing every little progression, strengthening my resolve. It is such a gift.