I took my last post down. It was long, rambling, and parts of it were preachy. I barely hit on the whole point I was attempting to make, and I apologize. What I should have said simply was this: I messed up. I unintentionally hurt Lilli's feelings. I learned from my mistake, and I will always be learning from this girl.
I want to thank the person who made a general comment on Facebook that made me decide to delete my post. I don't know if it the comment was even directed at me, but it convicted me. I was the one who made the mistake.
I want other people to see me for the real, flawed parent that I am, and maybe find a little hope in our story. I don't want to make other people feel bad. I'm sorry I ranted. When it comes to advocating for kids with special needs, I find it hard to keep it short and sweet.
Tonight instead of writing, I will do what is more important. Lilli asked me if I would help her make Valentines for some very special people in her life.
So glad to do that, Lilli.
I read your post yesterday and didn't have time to comment. That "long, rambling post" as well as some of your other posts have directly affected the way I speak to the children I treat and what I say in front of them. In addition, your posts have challenged me regarding my EXPECTATIONS for the most "severe" children I work with... What if therapists EXPECTED miracles instead of using scores and labels to formulate a prognosis? What if I approached each and every child I serve as someone who is capable of amazing and astonishing everyone around them with what they are abl to accomplish? I have long been an advocate for children with special needs - one that has NEVER said NEVER to any parent or said "Your child won't be able to _______". But, your posts have made me realize that I have done that in my head . . .something I am not happy about discovering about myself. So I guess I want to say THANK YOU and please give Lilli this message: "Lilli, you don't know me, but you are an amazing, smart, beautiful little girl. You are very brave to let your mom share your story so that it can help others understand more about children who can't talk. I want you to know that I teach children every day who can't talk, and YOU have helped ME understand more about the children I teach. God is using you to teach others, Lilli. Thank you very much for being so brave and sharing how you feel."
ReplyDeleteLisa Bishop