I believe in the power of courageously sticking with a positive vision for children with disabilities. The challenges and obstacles to this vision are enormous but not insurmountable. Sometimes the only thing we have to sustain our vision, as parents and advocates, is what I call “catch a branch.” This phrase refers to my stubborn faith in a future of positive outcomes despite events which cascade in such a way that the future feels in state of free fall. Despite this free fall, I force myself to stubbornly maintain faith that even though I have fallen off a cliff [or have been pushed], I will “catch a branch” before I hit the ground and will regain my way. However, to put this belief in its proper perspective there is a lot of angst, chocolate eating and tirades both public and private which occur before I come to the calmer understanding that I will not go splat and will catch a branch. No, I am not a saint and not a polyanna.
This blog which I started one year ago has given me a forum to share my
values, beliefs and insights as an attorney, father and husband engaged
in hand to hand combat with schools, while staying one step ahead of
the curves that disabilities always seem to have waiting around the
next corner. I feel blessed that the postings have struck a cord
with many of you; now one year later there have been more than 70,000 page views !
We need fuel, however, to go forward to maintain our vision for positive
outcomes for our children. Where does that fuel come from ? For me the
fuel comes from the following:
- Having a deep and abiding love for my son that he needs and deserves
the best possible [‘appropriate’] outcome that I can provide and fight for in school
and in the community;
- Keeping an unshakable faith in the path that I am on will benefit my
son, and the children that I represent. “Oh well” is just not in my
vocabulary;
- Maintaining a sense of humor [which my wife and daughter help with a
lot]. There is no room for bitterness or pity. These emotions are the
opposite of fuel;
- Preserving family, maintaining friendships with positive people, and caring for basic needs both spiritual and physical;
- Embracing joy and happiness whenever possible, and counting our blessings;
- Taking stock in the reality of living in this country versus other
nations when it comes to the protections for the disabled. For all of
the flaws in IDEA, the current political environment and the
composition of the courts, our children would not fare very well in
other systems;
- Finally and not least is the reward of raising a child with special
needs and making a difference in the life of my clients. Recently,
when my son was presented with a data sheet as to what his parents do
for a living, he answered: “my father’s job is to advocate for his
son.” My wife insists that I am his hero; what greater reward could I
ever ask for and motivation to go forward.
I hope that the postings on this blog have served
as fuel to go forward to achieve great things for your child, client or
yourself. I look forward to the future, and exploring and sharing
insights and guidance through this blog. Thank you for your readership and support, it
certainly has fueled me to go forward !