Being a mom to a special needs child is not a piece of cake. There are days when I cry on the bathroom floor, doors locked and ignoring the fighting outside the door. There are days when I’m so exhausted I fall asleep and in the midst the children are eating everything in the fridge. That’s how I survive. I know when I need to take time for myself. Sometimes it’s not always the best of circumstances. But I take what I can get before I come apart at the seams.
Now these are times when I’m alone and must survive on those days when all hope seems lost. Other days I schedule time away for myself. When I need to run an errand I make time to sit at a coffee shop to write or people watch. I like to window shop at craft stores, it gets me inspired and happy. This is what I do for myself, since my husband works nights and I’m free during the day.
You have to find time for yourself. You have to make yourself first, even before your children. That includes your relationship with Christ. It must come first by letting Him nourish your soul. Let his words feed your soul and give you the strength to be the best mom.
Now, as a special needs mom there are other things that challenge me. Some days I feel as though I barely survive. Some days I’ve conquered the world just by having a meal with the kids at the table. In the midst of my autistic 7 year old boy throwing cars at heads, screaming, biting someone, and melting down over getting dressed THERE IS HOPE.
Because in the silence. In the quiet of just me and my oldest boy, he reads to me, he tells me profound ideas and thoughts. His mind and heart surprise me. It melts my heart back together after a rough day. And that’s how I know. I know that the Lord has made me, little me, this precious boys mother. God formed me just for me to form my son. He destined me to take care of and nourish my sweet boy.
And there is NO mistake that he was given the name Noah. Years before we knew anything. He WILL Survive this storm too. He’s one of God’s chosen ones.
)
