Small Inspirations

Today I was at one of my client's homes doing a session and I was truly amazed. This client doesn't come from your normal run of the mill family that requires the services my job offers. This family is a normal upper middle class family that just needs a hand here and there. I was talking to the mother of this client and I told her how I admired how well she handled her children's behavioral issues and needs. She of course was honored to hear that. This is a mother that has been handling these issues from not one child, but two for over ten years. She literally has devoted her life to her children's every need (even more so b/c of their issues) and put her life aside. Somehow, I don't know how, herself and her husband have not gone insane along the way. I have never seen a family utilize coping skills and redirection the way these individuals do. After I complemented her parenting skills she looked at me and said: I am thankful for my children and how they have turned out. I survive by telling myself it could be worse. My child could be in a wheelchair unable to function, my child could be unable to speak or communicate to me their needs, my child could be much worse than they are. I have never heard a parent be grateful for the disabilities their child has and accept them. I have only heard the pleas of parents wanting their child to be "fixed." I cannot "fix" children. I can help them cope and learn ways to deal with what life has handed them and that is all. I wish every parent I have dealt with was as grateful for what their child has rather than being upset at what their child lacks.