"Be kind, for everyone you meet
is fighting a hard battle."
- Plato
Over and over I hear from people that have read the book, "I just never knew all that." Often this comes from people I really do know, and they really do know me, they just didn't know the depth of what we experienced, and felt about what we experienced. By the same token, I don't know the depth of what they have experienced, or felt about what they've experienced, either. There are just so many hours in a day and so much time allowed for socializing, the reality is, we only "know know" a handful of people well, and that is if we are very, very blessed.
I think if any one of us wrote a memoir, no matter what our situation, we'd blow everyone away. And that is because Plato was right - everyone is fighting a hard battle. Everyone.
I just came back from my "talk" with the students getting their Master's in social work. Really neat experience. The teacher is a woman I only really know on the outer periphery, but Wil loves and adores her son, and he has been a huge angel in our lives. We agreed the thing to do was have her interview me using questions she thought were pertinent to what they've been talking about in class, then have questions and answers. The hour flew by - felt like five minutes. I will say, I was struck by how unique our story is, and how, unfortunately, different it will probably be for most of the people they work with and serve. STM and I have resources - we're not millionaires but if our children have needed it, we've been able to provide it. There have been sacrifices, but nothing you can really put into the True Sacrifice category. Wil is well-loved. We have extended family. We have a huge and ever-growing community that has rallied around us. I have not had to work outside the home, and have had the luxury of making Wil my full-time job, not my full-time job on top of my full-time job, like so many other mothers/parents of kids with special needs. We've had choices and opportunities many don't have. Really, we're best-case scenario, and that was almost awkwardly and ashamedly obvious as I blathered on to the class today.
Still, they were warm and receptive and even said I was "inspirational." I hope so. They are inspirational to me, incredible people that want to go out and make a big difference in the lives of those that need them to.
Journey mercies.
I think if any one of us wrote a memoir, no matter what our situation, we'd blow everyone away. And that is because Plato was right - everyone is fighting a hard battle. Everyone.
I just came back from my "talk" with the students getting their Master's in social work. Really neat experience. The teacher is a woman I only really know on the outer periphery, but Wil loves and adores her son, and he has been a huge angel in our lives. We agreed the thing to do was have her interview me using questions she thought were pertinent to what they've been talking about in class, then have questions and answers. The hour flew by - felt like five minutes. I will say, I was struck by how unique our story is, and how, unfortunately, different it will probably be for most of the people they work with and serve. STM and I have resources - we're not millionaires but if our children have needed it, we've been able to provide it. There have been sacrifices, but nothing you can really put into the True Sacrifice category. Wil is well-loved. We have extended family. We have a huge and ever-growing community that has rallied around us. I have not had to work outside the home, and have had the luxury of making Wil my full-time job, not my full-time job on top of my full-time job, like so many other mothers/parents of kids with special needs. We've had choices and opportunities many don't have. Really, we're best-case scenario, and that was almost awkwardly and ashamedly obvious as I blathered on to the class today.
Still, they were warm and receptive and even said I was "inspirational." I hope so. They are inspirational to me, incredible people that want to go out and make a big difference in the lives of those that need them to.
Journey mercies.
4 comments:
I hope that at some point you go back and strike "ashamedly" from this post. I suffer from the same guilt about the fact that we have resources that others don't but, in all honesty, it doesn't negate any part of your story or your struggle or take away from anyone else, so you have no reason to feel ashamed.
That said, (whew!), I am so glad you did this and even if the only part of your interview that resonates with them is the Plato quote, it will be a beautiful thing. A job well done. You are truly a gift, my dear, and your continued efforts to create community wherever you go are awesome.
Love.
Love.
Nicely said, Carrie, and I'm sure it was a valuable interaction with them. Whether you have fortunate resources or not, you have a unique soul and depth to you and your love, and a dedication to reflecting on all aspects of your life -- and therein lies the gift of all that you share with each of us.
I just read about your Son, Wil, today in the Catholic Sentinel. Our 4 year old Son has been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. He has no language, is sometimes hyperactive, is constantly making messes, is not potty trained and doesn't change behavior much per attempts to correct. It has been very difficult for us---especially for my wife. He has wonderful qualities too of course and a beautiful smile and laugh. He is physically oriented and loves tactile---especially water. He has no hazard awareness. He goes to a special school, etc, etc. Progress has been minimal and painfully slow. We are doing all we can. There is no way he will be able to attend a main-stream kindergarten. We keep hopeing. We go to St. Francis in Sherwood. Thanks much for your blog, book (have not read it yet), etc.
Leland
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