Mom, Therapist or Both? Reflections on Doing All the Things

A Park Revelation...

Like any normal day. Except for us, it kinda is not.

Since becoming a homeschooler, I like to think that I am more attuned to Liam's ebb and flow. We maximize learning. I provide structure that is flexible. We play. We rest. We laugh. We learn.

A minor miracle and outcome is that he now has the reserve and energy to have a playdate on a sunny afternoon at the END of the day. In the past we (both) would have likely been taxed from the morning struggles, his school meltdowns and me desperately trying to prove to myself & everyone else that I could DO IT ALL.

By DO IT ALL I mean, have the full time dual income career& cheerfully partner with a team of 10+ clinical/educational professionals. By that I mean ride every storm with a smile. By that I mean skip another work meeting to rescue him from underneath a table at school..to join him when his anxiety went into FIGHT mode--all while wearing a dress (which rode up over my butt so I mooned the prinicpal), treasured Manolo Blahnik heels & hose that incurred 20 runners.


CHANGES: A Simple Comment that Sparked Insight

While Liam played with his bestie yesterday, I sat at a picnic table for 3 minutes. That's a long time for me not to be at arm's length with him. Then with the promise of Hide n Seek to find both Liam and his friend, I engaged. 

Liam was barefoot on the soft green grass, climbing the slide, laughing and "using his words." All of which I was reinforcing. 

Another mom with  a toddler had just arrived and within literally 120 seconds her first words to me were: "Are you doing therapy with them?"

I was not offended. It did give me visible pause. Her very next statement was "I'm a special education teacher."

I went to the negative first of "Oh, Lord. He seriously does NOT BLEND."

Then, her warm smile reeled me back in. 

Why yes, I AM doing therapy! I am doing PT. I am doing OT. I am doing homechooling. I am able to correctly pronounce medications I never dreamed existed. I have our pediatric neurologist on speed-dial. I'm incorporating EVERY chunk of encouragement and learning and wisdom from ALL the sources and ALL the other mommas to put this moment into place.

I'm proud that someone "in the tribe/in the field" noticed. It's taken Heaven and Earth to get here!

Doing ALL the things (again)...

In the past I tried to combine ALL THE THINGS with abysmal results of what I thought I "should be able to do." 

NOW when I do a little of ALL THE THINGS that help fuel Liam's success, it is with better boundaries and INTENT than I ever had before. Some days for us are still better than others now and that's ok. 

Today, I even called to make an appointment with a therapist that specializes in working with families impacted by illness or disability. In the spirit of "physician, heal thyself" this stranger's comment reminded me that I too need to restore what I give.

Celebrate Successes: Where You are NOW on this Journey

Friends, sometimes our progress markers and even divine messages come in unusual ways. My encouragement to you today is no matter the season you are in, take time to CELEBRATE the breakthroughs. BLINK and we miss them! PAUSE & take STOCK. 

And when you get sweet validation mommas, SOAK IN THAT SUN!





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