I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know that I have any answers but I know how to worry and I’m an expert at overthinking. I extend to you the gift of presence. Live in this moment. Provide the support your child needs TODAY.

Tomorrow might hold a sleepless night, stares from a stranger, or a school meeting. The coming months may include countless therapy appointments, doctor visits, and never-ending arguments with health insurance companies. However, you will fall into a stride and learn to live your own normal. You will grow and learn so much from this beautiful child you have been given. Bloom where you have been planted. Your child will do this automatically.

Learn patience. There is a lot of waiting. You will wait to be seen by the best specialists, wait on test results, wait at bedsides, wait in lobbies and in emergency rooms. You will wait and wait some more. You will desperately wait for that first step and first word. You will worry about what the future holds for them, for their sibling, for your family…for you.

Just like any parent, you will worry. Will my child walk or talk? Will my child succeed in school, drive a car, go to college, or support themselves? Will my child be able to take care of themselves? How will we afford all the little things that will make life easier for this special child?

I am not saying to throw the future cares to the wind but don’t get so wrapped up in the future that you lose sight of the moment – this moment. Try not to get caught up refinishing your basement for them to live as an adult when today they really just need orthotics to learn how to walk. You will have enough problems to deal with today so don’t go adding to your plate. Be present.