Awhile back I wrote about Parental Partners. I shared how I believe it takes a village to raise a child and how raising a special needs child has further reinforced that belief. With the help of Gelli’s therapists we have been able to see her reach some of the goals we have set for her. In that post, I highlighted the teamwork involved in coordinating therapists, doctors and family so that Gelli can reach her milestones with everyone’s help.
What I did not share with you in that post is the fact that as parents we have other partners in raising our children. Our friends. When we meet other parents who are like minded, who have been through some of the same things that we have been, there is a level of acceptance and understanding that is comforting. We can share of ourselves, our parenting challenges and triumphs without fear of judgement or being misunderstood.
Nino and I are lucky to have this type of support and friendship from some of our friends whom we met once Gelli was born. When we met George & Shereen and Noel & Elaine, we were all riding the same emotional roller coaster of a Down Syndrome Diagnosis. We navigated through those intial days of crying and acceptance and we had each other to lean on. I remember texting late at night, reading blogs together and morally supporting one another during times of hospitalization of our kids.
Almost two years later, we still stay in touch. We still look to each other for comfort, reassurance and our own sense of normalcy. The difference in the time we spend together now is that most of our time is filled with laughter, instead of tears.
Having fun with friends who have similar parenting styles can make for a much happier Momma. (and Daddy too!) Pics taken from Elaine’s phone and mine from Open Mic Night at Jill’s
Nino and I had such a good time with these guys that my cheeks hurt from smiling so much and Nino’s stomach hurt from laughing so hard.
Modern English was at Jill’s for Open Mic Night last Wednesday. We had such a great time!
And I got to take a picture with this guy. Do you know who he is? He’s Gary from Modern English! Do you remember them? Well maybe you remember this song?
