Avleigh's Journey

I’m a mom. I have both a typical child and a medical frail child. Over the past few years I strived to make our life as typical as possible, not only for my family but for myself as well. But just like the word “normal” what is “typical”? I didn’t think I was any more than that typical mom. I like to think of myself as a loving parent that is involved in teaching both girls ways of life, respect and happiness. I try to show them that if you set a goal for anything you can make it happen if you want it bad enough. You can do anything that you put your mind to. It’s something that my dad has taught me that I will never forget how smart and amazing he was. It didn’t matter what it was, he would find the right information to do it with absolute perfection.

Avleighs recent hospital stay for the removal of her tonsils and adenoids has finally allowed me to see the light to realize that I am just like my dad in the sense that I will do whatever I need to do and will do it with perfection. The doctors and staff in the hospital thanked me several times for helping them provide her the best care. I know and understand both of her diseases to the point where I was actually teaching them. It helped them to know and better manage her care. On our last day in the hospital her doctor made the comment “you’re not a normal parent”. That comment has set in and she is right… I’m not normal. My dedication and determination that my dad, and mom, have taught me are paying off and allowing me to provide the best care I could possibly think of giving to the sweet angel sitting here beside me.

I am like many parents of special needs children. We research, we learn and we strive to make our child’s life the best it could possibly be! For those other special needs parents reading this, we ARE special too! We don’t give up! We function on very minimal hours of sleep and do it with confidence. We are their voice! We conquer! We deserve the credit of being a Medical Mom!