Let me tell you something about “special families”. Special families are families with a least one child with special needs. The term is something I invented (unless there really is such a term though I don’t think so) because I believe that these families also have special needs. They too have a condition and they need help. Like special children they do not want nor need pity. What they need is genuine concern, encouragement, and the proper tools (like education and genuine understanding of what their child needs and what they as a family can do and not do about it) to be able to deal with one of their member’s special needs.

The thing about special families is that the unbelievably great need of one individual usually sucks the entire family’s resources and energy leaving each member in different states of physical and emotional distress. To cope, some parents go in denial. Some pack up and leave. Some work themselves to death to provide financially to cover the needed expenses. Some devote their entire lives to their one child and end up neglecting their spouse and other children. All worry.

The siblings too have very varied reactions. Some become resentful and angry. Some retreat to their own world outside of the home. Some get bewildered. Some get lonely. Some get lost.

Unless the special families get help the strain can become too great. Because of this I applaud the work of those who try to educate people about various conditions and disorders. I applaud those who seek to the sure or at least find better ways to manage the disorders. I applaud those who form communities, online and in the real, for “special families”. I applaud the doctors, therapists, and teachers who work hard to help our children and who we parents look to for guidance. I applaud all the families and friends, and even the random stranger, who accepts our children and who show much kindness, love and support so that our special family can overcome the difficulties.

You see when a special family is able to overcome the problems they face and are able to come together as a family to love and support not only the special child but the entire family, then they become even more special. It’s like being war buddies, the bond formed is unlike any other. And in the end all respond more in love than anything.

Wondering why I know so much about special families? Simple. I belong to one.

Check out the online community that helps our family cope with all the craziness that a disorder can bring - Foundation for Prader Willi Research.

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2 Responses

  1. Jay Gotera

    26|May|2007

    My brother has a special family. They have an “angel” of a daughter who’s mute and who’s mentally challenged but otherwise healthy and a pure source of joy.
    Special children have a reason for being here. They’re really like angels sent by God to draw out the goodness in the people around them.

  2. hannahgrace

    01|Jun|2007

    You are so right Jay. I have never seen such outpouring of love from EVERYONE before I had Sam (he’s my baby boy ^_^). Special kids just seem to bring out the best in people.


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