Every now and then I get a glimpse of what it would be like to have an 8 year old who doesn't have a disability. And to be honest, it just about tears me in two.
For the most part, I don't give a rats about the differences.
Sometimes though, there is a reminder, a gentle nudge to tell me that my little big man will always struggle to keep up, that he tries and tries, but he just can't be like kids his own age.
I think the times that I seem to notice it the most is when I see him with a certain look in his eyes. I think HE is sad sometimes.

Yesterday, we went to play at the park. The park we go to is one I found that both the kids can use without my help. There were a couple of kids about Ryley's age there yesterday and he went to say Hi. They just kind of looked at him and then kept talking to each other. Ryley looked at me like he was about to burst into tears and I hurried over and redirected him to the slides. I could just tell he didn't get why they ignored him.

Sigh.

Breaks my heart.

Comments

  1. KristaleeMarch 15, 2010 at 2:17 PM

    Oh, that breaks my heart too Anna just reading it. I can't imagine how that must make you feel as his mum. I am so thankful that my kids get to grow up with E so close, and I hope that this means my kids will have acceptance, tolerance and love for differences in all kids!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 15, 2010 at 3:45 PM

    That is so sad. It's so hard to watch your child hurt or struggle. It's hard enough as an adult to explain why children may do this, even harder for a child. ((HUGS))

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnnaMarch 16, 2010 at 5:34 PM

    I think it is hard to watch regardless of whether you have a child with a disability or not. How do I even begin to try and explain it to Ryley?
    Thanks for the kind words ladies xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. BarbaraMarch 16, 2010 at 8:58 PM

    Poor Ryley. It breaks my heart, but he needs to learn that not all people are nice I suppose. It is the worst thing in the world to see your children suffering, no mater how old they are, so I understand.....

    ReplyDelete
  5. KristyMarch 17, 2010 at 3:47 AM

    Oh, how sad for Ryley. That just breaks my heart. It is just too bad that those children weren't nice. Hang in there Ryley.

    ReplyDelete

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