The Big Picture

We have discovered an Apraxia Kids website as well as blogs and online groups for parents with children who have Apraxia.  One thing I have noticed is that a lot of parents on the website post that they are depressed and they sat together and cried when they were told their child had Apraxia.  The therapists all say the same thing--a child with Apraxia (with the proper therapies, treatments, etc.) could grow up to speak clearly and do things that are so hard for them to do right now as children OR they could grow up and still have issues.  It can go either way and they want parents to be aware of this.  I read the comments of parents who are just devastated that their child has been diagnosed with Apraxia and I understand. Your child has to work harder than other children and as a parent it is SO hard to watch your child struggle and get down themselves. 

Alex not only has Verbal and Limb Apraxia but he also has a rare bone disease called Osteochondromatosis.  He has had two surgeries and he sees a bone specialist on a regular basis.  He has a lot to deal with, and while he does have moments of frustration, he is very determined and one of the hardest workers I have ever known.  

I think about the parents on the websites who seem devastated that their child has this disability and I understand where they are coming from and how they feel.  While I do understand their concerns, I have learned that as parents our job is to love our children, encourage them and prepare them for adulthood.  They will not be children for long and will be adults for a much longer period of time. Our children do not have a terminal illness, they don't have a disability that will keep them from experiencing a full life, or going out on their own one day and making it in this big, cruel world we live in.  I look at Alex, I watch him struggle and it's hard, but I know in the big picture he is going to be just fine.  Yes, they have to work twice as hard as other children, but in the long run (the big picture) they will be better people because of this.  They will be more equipped to deal with life's slaps in the face and disappointment and nothing will keep them from doing anything they set their minds to.  One day Alex is going to do amazing things.  He has big dreams and I know he will work so hard to make those dreams reality and I will be there smiling proudly and encouraging him along.