Ten Reasons to Give Thanks for Your Child With Special Needs

I saw this in a newsletter, and it is just too good to not post. It is written by Terri Mauro

As if you need a reason! Parents of children with special needs know more than most that every child is a gift worthy of thanks. Every one, the ones who thrive, and the ones who strive, whether they become our legacy or we become theirs. But on those days when there doesn't seem much to be thankful for, or others are suggesting that your child must be a burden, or well meaning charities suggest giving thanks for healthy kids, check this list for a smile and a little inspiration.

1. You never have to worry about worrying over nothing.
Let other parents obsess over the frivolous and shallow. Your child will make sure you always have something to worry about.

2. Developmental Delays= more years of hugs, kisses, and little kid sweetness.
My 13 yo still wants to sit in my lap, give me hugs, and tell me he loves me. What mom of a sullen teen doesn't secretly wish for the same?

3. Maybe someday, Ty Pennington will come build you a house.
Hey, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition loves families of children with special needs. Your little one may be your ticket to a lavish living space.

4. Any little milestone is a cause to throw a party.
Your child works hard for every step, sit up, and syllable, giving you lots to be excited about.

5. Every day is a learning experience.
Some days it's a pop quiz, some days it's a crash course, but life with your child is always an education, for sure.

6. You have the privilege of putting several doctor's children through college.
After paying for all those appointments, you may feel like a one family scholarship foundation. Put your child's name on some letterhead and take pride.

7. You meet a better class of parents in waiting rooms and support groups.
Your child frees you from having to hang out with all those snotty parents on the playground, and gives you entry into an exclusive club of people who are sensitive, sarcastic, and sure of their priorities. (This is the point at which Brian began to laugh. Obviously, I was designed in utero to be the parent of a special needs child if sarcasm is one of the requirements! We would also agree this is a big way to force your priorities to the places they should have always been. We have prayed for this for years and God, as always, answers most creatively.)

8. You have an iron clad escape excuse for any occasion.
You'd love to stay at that boring party, crowded event, endless church service, but, you know your child just can't tolerate it. ( And if it's sometimes you who can't tolerate it--who's to know?)

9. Coming up with new strategies every day keeps your brain sharp.
They say doing crossword puzzles helps ward off Alzheimer's. Figuring out your child's schedules and treatments and lessons and rights and restrictions must easily provide twice the protection.

10. Your blessings will always be fully counted.
Other parents may take the gifts that their children bring for granted. Not you. Not ever.

As we approach Thanksgiving next week, we are overwhelmed with how blessed we are. Thank you God, for the big things and the showers of daily blessings that make our lives so amazing. May we remember that we are just the canvas and He is the painter.