The Weekly Photo Challenge is Dreaming.
This was a challenging topic for me. You see, I kept coming back to a certain photo.
I couldn’t take my eyes away from it.
I don’t post my daughter’s picture very often, but this one is significant.
As you can see she’s just fallen asleep, glasses and all…
This photo was taken in 2008 as she was recovering from a planned surgery. She is lying in a hospital bed. At this point she is in a regular room and not in intensive care.
Sometimes a parent or caretaker of a special needs person may experience frustration in the area of communication. This can be ”challenging” to say the least.
There are times when Al and I wonder what she’s really trying to say. Even though this has improved over the years, our daughter will never be able to completely express herself. This is who she is.
Since she is vocal, but not verbal, our daughter couldn’t tell us what was on her mind. We tried to be sure she was comfortable…as if you can really be comfortable after surgery.
During her hospital stay we made sure she had her favorite blanket and hat, plus one of her favorite toys.
Is she dreaming? I hope so…and to this day I hope her dreams are pleasant.
I’ll end by saying what Al says every night.
“Sweet dreams.”
I've always enjoyed writing and finally decided it was time to blog! As part of my profession I write every day, but I'm now trying to take the time to write creatively. My family and friends have been very encouraging as there is little that is written down in the way of a family chronicle. This is a favorite topic of mine! In addition to family history, I write about life, family, friends and faith. My husband is a full-time parent to our special needs daughter. I’ve explored this topic, too. I also enjoy music, crocheting, reading and relaxing with my family. I hope you enjoy what I have to offer!
Comments from Cathy 
Dear Cathy,
I was so touched by your post. Thank you for sharing this part of your life. My twin was a special needs child. He is a dear man, living independently near me, and he can support himself, but he still needs a lot of emotional support and we are the major part of his social life. One of the things that drew me to my husband is how kind and gentle he is with his big brother, who will never be able to live independently. I was sure he would be a loving father, no matter what, and I was right. I think your daughter is very, very, very fortunate to have you for her mother. Warm wishes for your whole family.
Hi Naomi. What a precious comment this is. Thank-you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about your brother and husband. My husband is our daughter’s primary caretaker. We are a definite team even though he shoulders the great majority of her activities. Thanks again.
A very special family!
We are quite a threesome! 🙂
This is a lovely picture. Thanks for sharing and also giving her all your love you have. She is special and you too
Thanks scrapydo. My husband took a number of pictures of her in all stages of recovery. In this photo she finally looks more “like herself,” as opposed to hospital patient, i. e. hooked up to various gizmos. 🙂
Special kids have special parents, super hero parents….
Hi ioanna…that’s very sweet. Thanks!
Inspiring and encouraging post.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks, very much Francine.
Cathy, your daughter looks like she could possibly be dreaming the sweestest of dreams here. What a precious picture! Continued sweet dreams, indeed.
Thanks, Gemma! We certainly hope so! 🙂
What a lovely post – and I was going to also say I thought your daughter looks like you – very pretty. God bless her – and may all of her dreams be nothing but sweet dreams! Patty
Hi Patty – My husband will really agree with you on that! We have other pictures where she really looks like him. Thanks for hopes and blessings. 🙂
Cathy, your girl is very beautiful and what beautiful parents she has. Your wishes for her sweet dreams are surely getting through. And your post is awesome!.
Hi Dor. She is a sweetie. Thank-you for such a thoughtful comment.
Great picture! She looks so happy and like she’s dreaming such sweet dreams.
Thanks, Sheryl. I have to admit that it was a tough week. I focused on this picture because she finally looked like she was relaxing. She was also happy because we were nearby. She knew she wasn’t alone…and she could finally have sweet dreams. 🙂
[…] Dreaming « Comments from Cathy […]
Your love for your daughter is expressed beautifully through this post. Very sweet.
Thank-you so much. She is a sweetie! 🙂
Thanks for that!
Cathy, this post is written with love and hope. So moving and filled with tender, touching thoughts.”Even though this has improved over the years, our daughter will never be able to completely express herself. This is who she is.” A mother’s love is like no other and I could so much in your words. I wish too for her beautiful and happy dreams…take care.
Thank-you, island traveler for your beautiful comment. Yes, I believe my daughter is very precious. My husband and I always tell her to have sweet dreams.
Thank you for sharing your personal story. You are a good mother and she is so lucky to have you in her life. All the best, Jenny
Hi Jenny. Thank-you for your lovely comment. 🙂
Your welcome Cathy and thank you for the following 😉