Dream of Cute Shoes

Support groups come in all styles. There are support groups for AA, Alzheimer, single parents, cancer, PTSD, anger, anorexia and parents with special needs children. The list goes on and on. All of these groups have a common theme. That theme is a connection or support from others who are in the same situation. Whether you are newly diagnosed or a seasoned support groupie. Everyone can learn, support, and relate to each other. Regardless if you have a loving and supportive family the bond formed in a support group can be a rewarding experience.

25 years ago I walked into a room full of special needs parents. I had no idea what to expect, and I didn't give it too much thought before arriving. I had been invited to a support group for special needs parents by the director of the facility where my daughter attended a 0-3 program. At the time, I did not feel I needed any support from anyone.  I was Meghann's mom, and I would take care of her by myself. I remember thinking that I just wanted an excuse to get out of the house for one evening without worrying about childcare. I was more than thrilled to use the babysitting provided to sit quiet for an hour.

What I didn't realize was that I was exhausted from lack of sleep, lack of help, lack of socialization, lack of support, lack of funds and working full time. I was overwhelmed  with providing around the clock care for my special needs daughter, and I didn't know it. I never allowed myself to be tired or the time to go through a grieving process of the dreams I had for my baby girl. The dream of dress up, cute shoes, and parties. Instead my days were filled with finding pants that fit over braces and the cute shoes were replaced with AFO's ( ankle foot orthosis) while the parties were replaced with physical, speech, and occupational therapy.

I soon learned while I was  attending this group that it was exactly what I needed. When all of my friends children were busy hitting their milestones in development. Meghann was still working on trying to sit up without help. In the support group, I met parents that were going through everything that I was with Meghann. The connection and support that I developed with these parents has been a lifesaver for me. We have shared many experiences through this support group. We went through heartache, joys, illnesses, developmental milestones, IEP's, births,  doctors, death and divorces together. To this day, I have maintained the relationships of the people that I met in this support group 25 years ago.

I hope to renew and begin similar connections through the private online support group that will be beginning soon.

As our children grow into adulthood our focus changes however the support we need in transitioning will not change.

The vision is to begin a monthly support group online where parents/guardians/families can come together in a safe environment to share their concerns, experiences, knowledge, and joys with one another. As part of the online support group, there will be professional guest speakers that will provide valuable information to the support group.

Regardless what transition or stage you or your loved one are in, you are welcome.  There will be something for everyone in this support group.

If you are a seasoned parent/guardian/family member  then consider paying it forward with your expertise to others transitioning. Let's pass on the power of knowledge to each other.

Coming soon: An in-person support group meeting in Galesburg.

Feel free to contact me with any questions and comments.  I will gladly consider suggestions or ideas

jillianm1963@hotmail.com

http://parentingcelebratingsmallsteps.blogspot.com/