Post by kathsherman on Jun 20, 2009 11:10:25 GMT -5
As a parent with sclero, over the years, I have often wondered....how will it effect our girls? Being raised in a home where Mom's job has always been managing/attending school and social events and Dad is in charge of extra curricular (sports) activities, as well as daily bike rides and hiking/camping trips......will they feel sad or burdened that our family adapted to Mom's physical well being?
They never...ever complained but, I usually felt guilt whenever I couldn't accompany my husband on that COLD field trip or on the lacrosse field (instead of watching from a warm car).
Well, after all these years, my questions were finally answered. My 16 year old presented her autobiography to us last night (my husband and I) and I haven't stopped sobbing....my husband even shed a tear!!! Not once did she mention that she had a Mom with a chronic disease or the many struggles (both physically/emotionally) we've endured as a family! This book (assigned as a final exam for an enriched writing class....she was given an A+) which was over 100 typed pages, told the story of a happy, well adjusted 16 year old girl, who values family...friendships and her education and we couldn't be more proud....
She wrote a chapter titled, "The Most Important Man in My Life", which was written about my husband and included all the time they spent together during sporting activities and bike rides. She dedicated her book to "A Special Woman", which included a full page detailing all the time I spent helping her academically and socially. Me....."sclero-Mom"....I couldn't believe it! Well, I feel much better now. Most of my hidden concerns were put to rest.....for now. This reminded me of a speech that a "sclero- board friend" (from here...a.k.a.laurie) shared with me recently, that her son had been asked to give at a college commencement. I was amazed by his confidence, poise and general exuberance while speaking to his young audience. After giving a brief personal history, he didn't once mention that his parent struggled with a serious disease. Instead... he focused on all the support he was given and you could just tell he modeled his Mom and Dad's strength. A true tribute to them......
As a Mom of two beautiful girls (16+12), I am lucky in many ways.....more than most...having sclero has taught me to truly appreciate the "small stuff" .
O.K.....so...I'm a bit emotional today.....just wanted to share this with my board friends because you guys/gals truly understand!
Kathleen xo
They never...ever complained but, I usually felt guilt whenever I couldn't accompany my husband on that COLD field trip or on the lacrosse field (instead of watching from a warm car).Well, after all these years, my questions were finally answered. My 16 year old presented her autobiography to us last night (my husband and I) and I haven't stopped sobbing....my husband even shed a tear!!! Not once did she mention that she had a Mom with a chronic disease or the many struggles (both physically/emotionally) we've endured as a family! This book (assigned as a final exam for an enriched writing class....she was given an A+) which was over 100 typed pages, told the story of a happy, well adjusted 16 year old girl, who values family...friendships and her education and we couldn't be more proud....
She wrote a chapter titled, "The Most Important Man in My Life", which was written about my husband and included all the time they spent together during sporting activities and bike rides. She dedicated her book to "A Special Woman", which included a full page detailing all the time I spent helping her academically and socially. Me....."sclero-Mom"....I couldn't believe it! Well, I feel much better now. Most of my hidden concerns were put to rest.....for now. This reminded me of a speech that a "sclero- board friend" (from here...a.k.a.laurie) shared with me recently, that her son had been asked to give at a college commencement. I was amazed by his confidence, poise and general exuberance while speaking to his young audience. After giving a brief personal history, he didn't once mention that his parent struggled with a serious disease. Instead... he focused on all the support he was given and you could just tell he modeled his Mom and Dad's strength. A true tribute to them......
As a Mom of two beautiful girls (16+12), I am lucky in many ways.....more than most...having sclero has taught me to truly appreciate the "small stuff" .
O.K.....so...I'm a bit emotional today.....just wanted to share this with my board friends because you guys/gals truly understand!
Kathleen xo
). jeff and i were so proud of joe's confidence that night, and we feel greatful to have him in our lives as well. thank you for your kind words.....love and *HUGS*, laurie p.s. trust me.....as calm and cool as joe looked while giving his speech, he said he was sweating like a banshee underneath......lol