Today I met an inspirational man who has an 8 month old son who was born deaf. This man has gone through a lot in his life. He moved here from Sth Africa when he was a child to escape racism (he's Indian Sth African), and then his Dad died at Port Arthur trying to disarm the gunman Bryant. He now works for the Salvation Army with people in need.
Anyway, he said when his son was born, at first all he could do was see the limitations of being deaf. He said he used to go into his bedroom and stand beside the cot each night and weep for everything his son wouldn't have. Fairly soon, he said he believed he had to start looking for the potential in his son, and not focus on his limitations.
What an important lesson that is for all of us whose children have challenges - be they physical, mental, emotional or social. Let's not look at their limitations, let's look instead at their potential
hey thanks for sharing,
our son was born 10 days ago deaf in his left ear, the second test i prayed and some signs of hearing was there in left ear but still he failed the test. A third test was done some days later me and hubbie both prayed and his hearing was restored perfectly it was so amazing we feel so blessed!
When we found out about Liam's cleft palate, we were initially shocked, but straight away though 'oh well - it could be worse! At least it's not fatal!' The first thing I said was "He's perfect on the outside and special on the inside".
That is so true, you have to look at what a child can do/achieve.
My (not so) little girl amazes me every day. She has cerabral palsy and an intellectual disability. When people meet my daughter and they say "Oh, it must be hard that she can't ..." but it doesn't matter what she can't do.
Every day I look at my girl and think she is an insperation (all children with additional needs are)
When ever I get frustrated with what she can't do I think about what she couldn't do 6 months ago and realise how much she has achieved and continues to achieve.
She may not be able to talk but she can communicate without words or signs, their have been many times when I (and others) have been distressed and all it has taken is my girl to scoot over when she knows their is something wrong and she knows exactly what to do to cheer me up weather it be a hug, a giggle or just a smile.
When people first find out their child has additional needs it can be shattering but when that parent can develop acceptance it will not only help them to move on it will also help the child develop thier skills.
That man has had such horrible events in his life, hopefully his beautiful son can bring him and his family some joy.
Registered User
A bit of encouragement...
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