30 Reasons I’m Grateful I Get to Parent a Child with a Disability

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* Because there’s a fierceness in my heart that wasn’t there before.

* They’ve taught me what relentless love looks like.

* They’ve introduced me to an amazing community of moms and dads who are tender fighters.

* They rescued me from a pointless path to pursuing perfection.

* They’ve taught me speed isn’t everything.

* They’ve taught me to speak up.

* Because they give the best hugs.

* Through them, I’ve experienced what pure joy is.

* They’ve shown me the value in being different.

* Because of them, I’m learning the language of advocacy.

* They’ve broadened my perspective.

* They’ve broken down my sense of entitlement.

* They remind me to not take things for granted.

* They show me the value of hard work.

* Because of them, I pay more attention to the whole world, not just the part of the world who looks, lives, and believes as I do.

* Because they have the sweetest dance moves.

* Because they’ve inspired me to be more involved in the world.

* Because they love hard and teach me to do the same.

* Because they’ve given me a new purpose.

* They are my ultimate teacher in affection.

* They inspire me to do hard things.

* Because their silliness lights up my world and encourages me to be silly too.

* They’ve taught me the importance and power of words.

* They’ve made me more aware of injustices and push me to act.

* Because they’ve taught me the importance of taking life one step at a time.

* Because they bring me back when to shore when I get tangled in the waves of fear.

* Because there’s a bit of magic embedded in that unique DNA and I get a front row seat to the show every day.

* I’ve witnessed them soften the hardest of hearts.

* Because they stretch me in ways no one else can.

* They’ve helped me find who I was always meant to be.

* Because when I found out about their diagnosis, I prayed for healing, but they made me realize I was the one in need of healing.

Yes, I am grateful I have a child with a disability.

It’s an adventure I never knew I wanted, and I’m so grateful for the ride.

Written by, Jillian Benfield

Jillian Benfield is author of the free e-book 5 Spiritual Comforts for Special Needs Parents. You can find her writings at JillianBenfield.com, Facebook and Instagram.

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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