Every July, a very special and dedicated organization, "Arkansas Support Network" and the folks at Parsons Rodeo Grounds hosts a special time just for families with children of special needs. By the way, ASN is an awesome resource for families who have children with disabilities. Anywho, the kids rode horses, got to pet the animals, there were balloons, pizza & drinks for everyone and of course, let's not forget, the carriage ride!
There were familiar faces, faces of parents I see on a weekly basis making their kids' speech, OT, & PT sessions at the therapy clinic, as well as Mariahs' past schoolmates, although she couldn't say much, her expression said, "I remember you".
As we waited in line, I noticed how everything was at a much slower pace. You see, children like ours need extra time to move and get around. Parents were patient and willing to pitch in to help load and unload kids who had to be placed in & out of their wheelchair, it was as if we were a team which made this outing extra GREAT! The kids had a fun time, parents (and grandparents) were taking pictures as if this was their childs first birthday! Lots of smiles everywhere and in the background you could hear--"look at the camera, look at the camera!"
By what I observed and of course my own experience, I sensed that this was one of the few events we can take our kids that was specific to their needs, because not everywhere can you get that kind of spirit and support. Although, I only knew a few people there, I felt like I knew them all because I can relate to the hardship of having a special needs child, don't get me wrong, Mariah is like a ray of light, but total caretaking can have it's toll on a person. I'd like to share what a special woman who attends our church shared with me (she had been praying for me) and it really touched my heart. In a card, she wrote "The care you give to your daughter, I'm sure has a very special place in God's heart". Those words have literally "fueled" my days and were needed at a time when I really needed it most, for I had never thought about it that way.
So if you have a loved one you are caring for (I am not just speaking of special needs children here), whether it be a spouse, parent, child or a sibling, I pass these words along to you my friend --"The care you give to your loved one, know that your act has a special place in God's heart!"
