#4

You Are Strong:

How often has it happened - an acquaintance hears your story or sees your child and says "I'm not as strong as you. I could never deal with all the things you deal with." And you shake your head modestly, and brush it off, and maybe even feel a little condescended to.

But you know what? They're right. You are strong. You're facing things that the average parent doesn't even want to imagine, and you're handling them.

Whether you were strong to begin with or had strength thrust upon you by necessity, you're one strong parent, one strong person. Your family needs that strength, your children thrive on it. You may wish you never had to be so strong. But appreciate that strength now. It makes you special. Capable. A force to be reckoned with.
Terri Mauro
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We're all strong. I met with S's SEC today - to sign things for her ISAT test. S is doing FANTASTIC. It's amazing what all they (staff) have to do and document. SO much paper.

I was told at the Pasta/Bingo night that some kids weren't being very nice to S and saying that she couldn't do the computer. J stood up for her and told them that yes she could and that she needed a turn. ;-) So he gets strength thrust upon him.

We've ALL had to adapt to become strong and thick skinned. The stuff people say is unbelievable. I know they don't know what to say a lot of the time - but I'd rather they just be quiet then to have some of the dumb comments made. And the way she's treated by some people. Drives ME crazy. She doesn't even take notice. I think that's HER strength.