My granddaughter has Cerebral Palsy. I love her dearly, and I try to let her know that. But the bottom line is I’m just her grandmother, and I’m not there every day for her.
I’m not in the trenches like her parents are. I see only glimpses of what it takes for her day to day care. I’m not there to help her exercise, or take her to all the therapy and doctor sessions.
When I do get to go to a therapy session, I see her and her friends working hard. I see the therapists working hard to help them. And I surely do admire how hard Ellie works, and her resilient spirit.
But behind Ellie every step of the way is her parents. Parents who watch over her 24/7, parents who research and look for the best ways to help her reach her full potential, parents who love her and want the best for her.
Abby is Ellie's favorite... from a distance!
Being a parent is a hard job. It doesn’t come with a “how-to” manual. Being a parent of a child with a disability is even harder. There’s a whole lot of things most parents take for granted that these parents can’t.
Round and round and round we go!
They learn to rejoice in a lot of those little things most parents take for granted. There are different measurements of success for children with disabilites, because they are starting from a different place. Every child is different, with different problems, needs and ways to cope.
I admire these parents who work so hard to help their children have a full, rewarding life. It amazes me how much they do sometimes. Like Team Hoyt.
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That’s beyond amazing. And while Team Hoyt is quite extraordinary, most parents with disabled children are in their own way, also doing extraordinary things each and every day to help their children.
Just like I know Ellie’s parents footsteps are behind every one of HER footsteps.
I’m sure I don’t tell Ellie’s parents often enough how much I admire them. And love them for themselves, and for the great parents they are.
So to all the parents of disabled children out there, and especially to Ellie’s parents, let me just say that each and everyone of you is a hero.
I salute your love and dedication!
