In my last post my husband and I shared our thoughts on our daughter and her many limits. The replies we received amazed us. Many of them left me thoughtful.
I realized I still had a lot to express, so I’m continuing the topic. This post incorporates some of my replies to your comments along with other thoughts that have been on my mind.
Before I go much further, let me first say thank-you for the heartfelt replies. Your support and warmth were quite evident and even overwhelming.
In my prior post, you met my daughter who delights us and challenges us. You also learned she has numerous limits.
Our daughter received this Hawaiian floral print hat several years ago. It has since become her favorite. She wears it inside the house every day. It’s part of her routine and it makes her happy when she’s wearing it.
Yes, we’re a very happy family. Still, our lives are far from perfect. Some days it seems we’re on the ground looking up at a big hill…and it’s not always easy to climb. Still, the three of us get through challenges together.
What I can say is, we’ve learned over the years to roll with the ups and downs that are bound to occur. For example, in the very near future our daughter will experience an annual medical test. The day will be stressful (let me be clear that this is quite the understatement). Al and I have already been talking about the best way to prepare in order to make the day easier. We know what to expect and we have to be ready.
Dad and daughter share a quiet moment. For many years our daughter carried these cylindrical pool toys, or straws wherever she went. She eventually gave them up but we couldn’t say why.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that each of us has limits.
This means letting go of various trappings. Al manages the household and does a great job. He gets our daughter where she needs to be. I work outside the home. I am able to do what I do because Al does what he does. We had to pursue our strengths and let our better half manage the areas where we have our limits.
Al is the cook, butler, driver, messaging service, laundry servicer, body-guard and all round good guy!
We’ve met many incredible people who have supported us, too many to name!
We have become fast friends with many people who provided services to us. By going to the salon to have her hair and her nails done, our daughter has learned to be patient during appointments, and, also to be more social. We couldn’t have done this without you!
We’ve met many other families who are in similar situations. They are also in need of support.
It’s as if there is a hidden population in our society. In general people with limits are often not heard. It is not glamorous or “out there” for people to acknowledge. This is the reality that many families
These are generic picture images that are often used in classrooms and with special tools for communications. One important thing to considered is that there may be real people represented by these symbols.
We’ve also learned to recognize and celebrate small victories whenever they occur.
Our daughter was slowly stepping into a pool to get ready for a swimming lesson. She was excited to be there and she let us know it!
I’m glad that my post allowed a peak into a world that many people don’t often see.
We don’t have a clue why the bananas needed to be set straight. Still, I’m sure that our daughter took care of whatever was out of place!
I wrote this post under the tag B4PEACE so it would show as part of Bloggers for Peace.
In addition to showing an example of peace and love within a family, I also want people to realize that one of the elements of a peaceful environment is tolerance…and special needs individuals can teach us so much about this.
A peaceful, happy home. It doesn’t get much better than that!
At one point when I was typing a long reply I was barely able to hear anything because my two housemates were in the midst of a fit of laughter. I’m typically the quiet one of the bunch. I was happy to just watch and revel in the moment.
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To read more about my daughter please see my page entitled “Special Needs.”
To find out more about Bloggers for Peace, click the badge!
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 
Hi Cathy!
Ah, yet another wonderful glimpse into your family life. Thank you, so much! It’s an honor and a gift to be allowed into your circle, and to experience – even if from far away – the love that is within. Please be assured that that the reality of your life is acknowledged and realized. You aren’t handing out the rose-colored glasses to us all. What you are doing is giving us hope…the hope that comes from seeing love lived amid all the struggles and daily stresses. Peace really does begin in the home….and your home reflects that peace. 🙂
with a big hug to you all!
Isabella
Hi Isabella! Thank-you for a lovely and thoughtful comment! It’s interesting. I don’t talk about my daughter too much when I’m at work because it would be distracting for me. That being said, when the topic does come up, people have two reactions. At first they’re surprised. Then, they usually state, “Everything (about you) just makes so much sense now…”
You’re right. Hope, peace, love, and so many gifts that trickle from these begin in the home…and from there we begin to take these gifts to those around us.
Thank-you again – I look forward to continuing the dialogue!
Wonderful posts. Thank you for being open about your special world and how you and your family have found peace on earth. Your family is beautiful and, though I can not even begin to imagine the challenges some days, you appear to have a good handle on what makes it work.
Thank-you, dogdaz. There are many times when we go into learning mode. We’ve learned that it’s okay to say, “We need this assistance…we don’t know the answer to this…our daughter needs this, how can we make this happen?” It doesn’t mean this is always easy, but we’ve learned a lot about perseverance; I’m grateful everyday for my husband and my daughter.
…and as I mentioned, through all the obstacles that we face, we’ve also learned that it’s okay to laugh and simply be ourselves.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Cathy, I hope that the day of the medical tests surprise you and go more smoothly than you could ever imagine. You’ll be in my thoughts til then. Good luck. G
Thank-you Gemma. I’m glad I can take the day off work so we can just be present for one another. 🙂
Hi Cathy, I enjoyed reading your post. I know some familes who face similar challenges so I know not every day is a piece of cake. I think your positive attitude and lots of love goes a long way. judy
Hi, Judy. We definitely take things one step at a time. Also we’ve become rather routine oriented to just make things simpler! Thanks!
Cathy,
Thank you for sharing these invaluable lessons with us. I completely agree that peace begins in the home, and you have definitely learned how to create a peaceful home. I love the image of you trying to blog while your housemates were in a fit of laughter. Thank you, your husband, and your daughter for helping create peace in this world. {{{Hugs]}}
Hi Kozo! Yes, this is one of the images of my home – me on a laptop with my husband and daughter laughing and playing! There are times when the laughter is infectious and loud. Another good lesson – it’s okay to set things aside now and then and just enjoy the fun!
Thank-you for extending peace, friendship and virtual hugs through the blogosphere! – Cathy
Lovely.
Thanks, seapunk2. So glad you think so. 🙂
I’m inspired by your story. a great example of love, peace, commitment, patience and endurance experienced on a daily basic. Praying you will continue to have support around you.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks, Francine. I appreciate that. God bless.
Very nice…and good thoughts for you and your little one….
Hi Scott. Your comment was the one that finally made me realize I had more to say! Thanks so much for the kind thoughts and support.
Hello Cathy…and you’re most welcome. 🙂
Thank you Cathy for letting us into your home. You warmed my heart with your articles and pictures. I hope to see more of your daughter – she overflows her sweetness and love through cyberspace into my home. I will keep your daughter in my prayers that things go smoothly for her at her appointment. Bless her dear heart.
Hi Patty. Thank-you for your beautiful comment. I’ve often preferred to keep items about my daughter private, but I felt this was the right things to do. She has her ups and downs, but yes, she is a sweetie. Your prayers are appreciated; please accept my heartfelt thanks. I’m happy to say she tolerated her appointment very well. We were very proud of her.
I have to say she is probably my greatest teacher – and there is more to come on the lessons she’ll provide!
God Bless. Cathy
Thank you for sharing your daughter with me. You have an inspiring family. God bless you!
Hi J M. That’s very kind of you to say. I’m glad you were able to take a peak inside our world and spend a few minutes with us. Thanks! 🙂
Cathy,
I absolutely love your postings 🙂 this is my first time to read your words!! They are beautiful and a great way to educate others. I love your Mija so much and have the utmost respect for all that you and Al do!! You both are amazing!! If we at school did not communicate so regularly with you guys we could not continue to grow. Everyday is a gift and we love what we do!!
Again thank you for being so amazing
Respectfully,
Tracy Guller
Ms. Tracy I’m so glad you’ve stopped by! I don’t write about our kiddo too often, but after Al’s initial comments I felt moved to do so.
We’ve learned over the years that we have to be able to communicate with everyone who supports us. Al carries the bulk of this, but as always we are a team!
Thank-you for all you do in the classroom for all the kids! You, Pam and the rest of the staff are a great model of people who work together to provide for our children. We are fortunate to have such dedicated educators.
I look forward to upcoming conversations!
With my warmest regards,
Cathy