No Fun Today

Unfortunately,

my mood fits the weather today.

Or maybe,

the weather fits my mood.

Either way,

this won't be a happy go lucky read today.

I understand if you hit "home" immediately.

As many of you know,

I am an advocate for

those with Special Needs.

I came upon this by choice.

I have two children

with Special Needs.

I chose them.

In the past,

I chose to be

a Special Educational Assistant

in the local school district.

I have been dealing

with Special Education issues

for 23 years.

Some progress has been made.

But not enough.

I've dealt with the

Minnesota Dept. of Education:

Special Education.

I've dealt with

politicians (to a small degree).

I've worked with attorneys.

I've verbally advocated for

not only my children,

but others as well.

I've been accused of having expectations

that are too high by various

staff of schools or group homes.

I've been called

"little Miss Perfect"

because I won't accept

hitting as a "normal"

fact of life.

I've learned a lot.

First the good:

There are some wonderful avocates

for Special Needs poeple:

parents,

teachers,

educational assistants,

staff in group homes,

medical people,

family members,

students.

Sadly,

in my humble opinion,

there are others

that simply accept whatever is

told to them.

Others still,

accept poor treatment from others.

They don't ask questions.

They don't do research.

They remain

oblivious (by choice)

of the laws.

They would rather

be quiet then

"cause a problem."

I.

Can't.

Live.

Like.

That.

Sometimes,

I wish I could.

I am sure many others do too.

But as a parent,

don't I owe it to my children

to assure them

of their safe being?

That their rights are being

protected?

To teach them

they deserve

the same as any other

person

gracing this

planet earth?

I believe I do.

Yet I struggle

daily with whether

or not I'm doing the

right things.

I'm sure every parent does.

I often ask myself if I've become

a "right fighter."

I constantly second guess

myself on whether or not

I am fighting the

"good fight."

I always come up with a yes.

Yet, I think I know

what the salmon swimming

up stream feels like.

How tired they must be.

One stroke forward,

two back.

I guess if they can do it,

I can too.

To those of you

that are swimming up stream with me,

THANK YOU...

there really is power in numbers.

I love you for loving

my children,

just as they are.

Thank you for protecting

them with your love

and prayers.

I have to believe

it can be a better place

for all...

if not today...

tomorrow.