Spina Bifida Awareness Days 21-31

Day # 21 

Every life is a miracle, we all have differences, and that is what makes us all so unique. 

Day #22

Day # 23

Day #24

It's not hard to love someone born with Spina Bifida!

Day #25 

Some say that -

Day # 26

SPINA BIFIDA AND MILESTONES 

Like every parent, mothers and fathers of children with Spina Bifida eagerly wait for their child to reach those “all important” developmental milestones. We get all the same emails (sometimes even if we've unsubscribed!) each month telling us what our baby should be doing. It can be very disheartening, not to mention frightening, when we watch our little one fail to develop these important skills. But over time you learn that he/she will meet those milestones when they are ready. At the same time you come to grips with the reality that some skills will take many years to acquire, if ever even possible at all. And finally, you hold on to Hope, whether in your heart or in your faith in God, for the miracles to happen right before your eyes.
Tanner learned to sit at 8 months old, army crawl at 10 months, 4 point crawl at 12 months, and pull to stand at 18 months. He didn't progress to independent standing or walking, and probably never will. That is one of the things that, I as his mom, have had to come to grips with. I am OK with him using a wheelchair! It gives him freedom, and he LOVES it. I have learned that walking is not everything. And I wish society would feel the same way. He is SO AWESOME the way he is!
"Life is not a matter of milestones, but of Moments"

Day # 27 

Tanner loves to play with other kids.  He is a kid after all.  Using a wheelchair doesn't change that one bit! 

Day # 28 

SPINA BIFIDA AND SIBLINGS 

Having a child with a disability of any kind can be particularly challenging for the sibling(s). It’s not easy when your mom and dad have to spend extra time caring for your brother. When, in their concern to meet all his needs, they inadvertently spend less time with you. Maybe they expect more of you without realizing it. Maybe they ask you to understand things that your little heart and mind just simply can’t yet. Having a sibling with a disability can be tough but it can also be one of life’s unexpected blessings. It can teach you to be empathetic and enable you to understand what acceptance really means, even at a young age. It can teach you the beauty of gratefulness for even the most basic aspects of life. Having a sibling with special needs enlarges your heart with a fierce and protective love, a love that we need more of in this world.

Tanner is my oldest, Connor was unplanned. But has been such a blessing to our family. He has been such a great brother for Tanner. Tanner and Connor have loved each other from the very beginning! They play (and fight) together, learn from each other, and push each others limits. It's so fun to watch. Connor puts up with all the extra appts, and therapies, and does so with a smile! He doesn't see Tanner as different. He sees Tanner as his brother!

 

Day # 29 

Spina Bifida is one of those roads. A hard road at times, but beautiful destinations and futures. So many awesome people that we've come to know along the way. We support one another, and that's what love is. To all those out there, you know who you are. Thank you for your friendship, love, companionship, and for simply caring. 

Day # 30 

Day # 31

Having a child born with Spina Bifida does not make me any stronger, wiser, or more courageous than any other mom. I've simply learned to adapt to our new life because I love my child, and well, do I really have another choice?

There is one saying that I've heard often, and am starting to dread hearing. "God only gives special kids to special people." With all due respect, I am beginning to dislike that saying. I smile on the outside, but scream on the inside. I know that people mean the best by it, but its not what moms of special needs kids need to hear. And its also not the truth. The truth is that God can give anyone, even you, a child with special needs.

I never thought it would happen to me. But it has, and I wouldn't ever change it!

So next time you see a special needs child out with their family, remember this.

"God doesn't give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with special needs doesn't take a special family, it makes a special family."