Why It's Important to Let Other Moms of Children With Disabilities Know You're There

I was out and about shopping today and I ran into a mom who I love and cherish, she is mother nature personified.

She has this whole troop of kids, she homeschools, breastfeeds and is just this amazing woman! One of her children is the same age as mine, and also has a disability.

After giving her a hug hello, I asked how she was.

She turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, “ I am having the worst day ever!” And tears welled up in her eyes, about to overflow any minute.

Tears swelled up in my eyes as well.

“I just need a break, my hubby is out of town again,” she said.

I immediately replied, “I’ll help,” and then froze.

What had I just said? Would I be truly be able to help? How many kids would I have to take? How many kids would she need me to take? I put my eyes down and thought to myself, “OK, how long does she need me for? Is it a couple hours? Is it most of the day? Is it overnight? What time will my own husband be home? We can do this together! Why am I hesitating? I can do this!”

I lifted my eyes up to her, now confident that I could help!

I said, “I’m in! Tell me what you need!”

As her eyes flushed with tears and a single tear rolled down her cheek she said, “All I needed to know, was that there was someone who would help me if I needed it. Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much that meant to me.”

To simply be there was enough. To give her the confidence that she wasn’t alone was enough. To give her the relief that a break was hers to take, was enough.  Sometimes we need a hand to hold, sometimes we need a hug. Sometimes we just need kind words and a happy face.

My friend allowed me to take the kids to the snack section and buy each one a special treat. They loved it! And then I went and bought her flowers and a bottle of wine. This adorable family’s happy mood was contagious when they left the store.

Please be kind, be supportive and #includeall.

How can you help a family in your community? Your church? Your school? Tell us in the comments.