I was just reading a post over at Elizabeth Potts Weinstein.
She shared a story about how after having completed a vacation tour of some park caves she came across a sign that read:
SERIOUS DANGER. DO NOT PASS THIS POINT.
Do not pass this point without a permit. Do not pass this point without three forms of light.
You are not allowed to go past this point without a wetsuit and a favorable weather report from the park naturalists.
The only thing she could think of after reading this sign was how she soo wanted to go past that point. As a matter of fact, she NEEDED to go past that point.
I know exactly how she feels.
Being the Mama to a medically fragile child with special needs I can’t begin to tell you how often I have encountered signs that scream:
SERIOUS DANGER!
MERE PARENTS SIMPLY AREN’T SMART ENOUGH TO PASS THIS POINT WITHOUT AT LEAST ONE SPECIALIST IN TOW. BUT IF WE WERE TO BE PERFECTLY HONEST WE WOULD RATHER YOU JUST STAYED ON THE SAME EXACT PATH EVERYONE ELSE DOES.
Okay. So these actual signs don’t really exist. But the message? Oh, the message is sent loud and clear.
One thing I have learned in the last five years is that one path doesn’t fit all kids.
And sometimes, just sometimes you’ve gotta forge your own way. Even if it means there’s no specialist to hold your hand.
I’m going to be the Mama that hikes right on past the sign.
I want to explore new ways to educate Parker, ways that address his unique style of learning.
I want to discover better ways to provide optimum nutrition than just popping open yet another an of Pediasure.
I want to take Parker on grand adventures, even if we can’t leave his safe room.
I want to share everything from the simplicity of a tree in bloom to the greatness of the stars in their orbits.
I want to hold on tight to my faith in miracles, even if others no longer believe.
I want to make the kind of memories that span the length of time between this life and the next.
I want to meet each and every challenge that presents itself in such a way that when I look back I see growth and strength, not worry and fear.
So when you see someone totally ignoring The Sign, someone who refuses to color within the preset lines, someone totally pushing by the limits and forging brand new paths much to the dismay of the mainstream……..
……well, you’ll know that’s me.
I refuse to settle for just a lousy t-shirt.
I want the whole d*mn deal.
For absolutely as long as I can.
Twitter: trishdoerrler
Dec 2, 09
You go for it!
Makes me think of Math Night at school, where the teachers raved about how their math curriculum is “research-based to work for all students.” Give me a break! Really – every single student – there’s not one kid who might need even a slightly different approach!!
Perfect, that is how life with our kids has to be lived.
Your amazing! This is the first time I have come across your blog and it was good to read this last post. I have a son with DS and it gets hard at times, and I know I just need to keep on going and work hard with him so that he can continue to succeed in life. Thanks for sharing.
Amen. You the mama!
Some of us were not cut out to take the safe road, special needs child or not.
Hi Tammy, its Cindy again. Just wanted you to know I am still a faithful follower of you and your brave hero! I love reading your posts, it takkes me right into your brain!
You go girl
If anyone can do it – you can 
Good for you. Parker will be all the my blessed because of your determination!
You are exactly right. There is something to be said about the mother’s instinct that needs to be validated.
LOVE it! You are so amazing!
Beautiful. Parker sure is with the right mama for him. Blessings to you and your family!
I thank God every day when I come to your blog. I thank him for leading me to you and allowing me to find strength for my daily challenges in you. I thank him for knowing that the Brave Hero needed you, and that you needed him. I thank him for always knowing just how much we think we can handle….and then pushing us past that limit.
What a beautiful post! So glad I stopped by.
I want it all for my Emmie too, every last drop!
I like your attitude and how you related it to the warning signs. I am a “rule follower” and it is hard for me to go past those signs, so this is a good reminder that sometimes, rules are meant to be broken, changed or bent. Thanks.