Although I do not personally have a disabled child, we do have close friends that do.
For this to come to me today is a bit ironic. We just took a four day vacation, and took my sons best friend along with us. They are both 13, so you can imagine some of the conversations my husband and I overheard :)
For my son's friend, Josh, this was the first time he had ever been out of the state, and this was his first real vacation. The reason for that is mainly because his 16 year old sister is totally disabled. She has severe Cerebral Palsy, and Josh and I were talking today about the day to day stuff. It made my heart swell with pride when he talked about his sister. He said "We don't know how much time we have with Jaime, so we make sure that everyday is special for her and us." He also went on to tell us how he just wants to cry when he hears others not realizing that she is a "real" person, and they tend to talk around her and never to her.
My son has thankfully had a chance to see how they treat Jaime and that makes me happy. We can't throw these children away.
God Bless You All.
Those young boy's words brought tears to my eyes. I spent a much needed break with my friend at her cabin on the lake this weekend whilst my ex husband took the kids. Up at the campground her cabin is at there are two downs syndrome kids there, one of them being her niece. They are the most delightful and wonderful people. I talked to the mom for quite awhile. Parents of special needs kids have courage & strength beyond belief. They are the most unselfish, gracious, understanding and kind people I have the pleasure of having spent time with. We should all be so kind.
Your son's friend is so very wise. Illness or not, none of us knows how much time we have left on this earth and I've long taught my daughters to enjoy life to the fullest and never part company with someone you care about while you are still upset or mad.