I'm No Superhero: A Mother Speaks

From time to time, we like to invite guests to share their stories with us. Today’s guest blogger is an anonymous mom.–Ed.

Recently my child pointed out this photo to me. He saw it online:

I’m sure whoever created it meant well, but the thing is, I am really not a superhero! I am a parent first and foremost.

I would do anything for my children, as any parent I know would do. Raising a child with a disability doesn’t make me any better or worse as a parent. I certainly know I’m no superhero. First of all, what does that say about my child? That he is someone to be saved or rescued?

I realize as parents of children with disabilities, as a group we do have our own unique challenges that other parents or professionals do not always seem to understand. It often can be a relentless uphill battle to get the services you need or supports for your child. I realize that for many, parenting tasks will need to be a lifelong involvement beyond childhood, for their rest of our children’s lives.

What does that say about my child? That he is someone to be saved or rescued?

However, my child is no more “special” that any of my other children, and parenting him doesn’t make me “special” either. I’m proud of my son, just as I am of my other children. Thinking of myself as a superhero is like saying to my child that he is such a challenge that I’m a superhero to survive it.

Nothing could be further from the truth. My son has been a great joy because of the love we share.

 —A Mom