Making My Commitment

I was just reading a post over at Elizabeth Potts Weinstein.

She shared a story about how after having completed a vacation tour of some park caves she came across a sign that read:

SERIOUS DANGER. DO NOT PASS THIS POINT.

Do not pass this point without a permit. Do not pass this point without three forms of light.

You are not allowed to go past this point without a wetsuit and a favorable weather report from the park naturalists.

The only thing she could think of after reading this sign was how she soo wanted to go past that point. As a matter of fact, she NEEDED to go past that point.

I know exactly how she feels.

Being the Mama to a medically fragile child with special needs I can't begin to tell you how often I have encountered signs that scream:

SERIOUS DANGER!

MERE PARENTS SIMPLY AREN'T SMART ENOUGH TO PASS THIS POINT WITHOUT AT LEAST ONE SPECIALIST IN TOW. BUT IF WE WERE TO BE PERFECTLY HONEST WE WOULD RATHER YOU JUST STAYED ON THE SAME EXACT PATH EVERYONE ELSE DOES.

Okay. So these actual signs don't really exist. But the message? Oh, the message is sent loud and clear.

One thing I have learned in the last five years is that one path doesn't fit all kids.

And sometimes, just sometimes you've gotta forge your own way. Even if it means there's no specialist to hold your hand.

I'm going to be the Mama that hikes right on past the sign.

I want to explore new ways to educate Parker, ways that address his unique style of learning.

I want to discover better ways to provide optimum nutrition than just popping open yet another an of Pediasure.

I want to take Parker on grand adventures, even if we can't leave his safe room.

I want to share everything from the simplicity of a tree in bloom to the greatness of the stars in their orbits.

I want to hold on tight to my faith in miracles, even if others no longer believe.

I want to make the kind of memories that span the length of time between this life and the next.

I want to meet each and every challenge that presents itself in such a way that when I look back I see growth and strength, not worry and fear.

So when you see someone totally ignoring The Sign, someone who refuses to color within the preset lines, someone totally pushing by the limits and forging brand new paths much to the dismay of the mainstream……..

……well, you'll know that's me.

I refuse to settle for just a lousy t-shirt.

I want the whole d*mn deal.

For absolutely as long as I can.

What about YOU? What commitments have YOU made as you parent your child with special needs?

Maybe we could inspire each other a little bit today.

You can also find Tammy and Parker hanging out at their other blog: Praying For Parker and on Twitter where they are known as ParkerMama.