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6 Beautiful Ways Having a Child With Special Needs Changed Me

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I am strong.

Because my son has taught me to keep fighting and to never give up, even when it seems all hope is lost.

I am courageous.

Because my son has taught me to trust my instincts, to fight for what I believe in and not be too intimidated to make my voice heard.

I am humble.

Because my son has taught me to ask for help when I can’t do it alone, to accept the things I cannot change and to put the past behind me.

I am patient.

Because my son has taught me that some things are worth waiting for. Like that first giggle or a smile.

I am thankful.

Because my son has taught me to make the most of every opportunity and to appreciate every day as if it were our last.

I am blessed.

Because my son has taught me to see beauty in the world around me, and that happiness, family and love are all that are truly important.

I believe God didn’t give me a child with special needs because of the gifts I had. He gave me a child with special needs to teach me the skills I lacked.

Emma Murphy.2-001

Follow this journey on Little Momma Murphy.

The Mighty is asking the following: What’s one thing people might not know about your experience with disability and/or disease, and what would you say to teach them? If you’d like to participate, please send a blog post to community@themighty.com. Please include a photo for the piece, a photo of yourself and 1-2 sentence bio. Check out our Share Your Story page for more about our submission guidelines.

Originally published: December 15, 2015
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