I attended sacrament meeting in a ward other than my own this last week alone. A 16 year old boy with Down’s Syndrome set next to me with his family. During the sacrament he put his arm around me and laid his head on my shoulder. His Mom was mortified, she kept telling me that she would move him, but it really was OK because I get it. I know what it means to need that human connection but not know how to get it. I know what it means to have a child that people stare at and wonder why.

Blessings of Understanding and Love

With a topic post heading like that I had to visit and read, and I’m glad I did. I’ve a daughter with Tourettes Syndrome, and it continues to help me remember that people need patience and love.

I remember when my son barely spoke and I was desperate to find other parents in similar circumstances. Thank goodness for the internet, it gave me some support.
After going through something difficult, I want to help others in the same position because I understand what they might be going through….in ways I could not understand before.
Unfortunately, the more time passes the more I forget what it is like for certain situations. The fact that older mothers dismiss the hardships of when children are babies and say that it is harder when they are teenagers means that they have forgotten some of the difficult trials of those first few years. (My 4th baby is much easier because I’ve got experience now).
It is one of the reasons I want to write in a journal now. I am worried that what I have learned in life, I will start to forget because time passes.
People are anxious in situations where they don’t know what to expect. I have a child with autism at my house right now for the day and I am slightly apprehensive.
Vada, your waiting room experience reminds me of mine. I was waiting in a speech therapist office while my son had his appt. My older daughter was with me and she started interacting with another child brought into the waiting room. After a while she matter of factly asked the mom, “Does he talk?” My daughter was a child who was used to playing with a child who simply didn’t talk much at all, so she wanted to know whether to expect language or not.
I hope the mother wasn’t embarrassed. It is nice to be able to be open about our children.

I think saying, “I thought he might” is kind of forward and assuming. But I am glad that you talk openly about it.

It is probably comforting to hear that. I can’t imagine any parent being offended (after the acknowledgment) anymore than I would be offended if someone said they thought I might be Mormon after I tell them I am. It is actually a relief that they don’t tell me they are surprised!