Part 3: Little Princess – The Story of a Special-Need Child
The Ill Fated Accident | Facing the Problems | Sarah’s Present Life
Part III – Sarah’s Present Life
Her disabilities have not deprived Sarah of special talents. She is a very talented young artist and keen on improvising her art with every passing day. By dedicated observation of how other people draw, especially her older brother, who excels in Art, she strives continuously to learn new techniques of painting and brings them to practice with a determination of a rare kind. And though life has not been very fair to her, she is fair enough to judge her own work sincerely. Never does she accept any undue praise for a picture that is not worthy of it. With her strict sense of fair play, this ‘Little Princess’ has a lesson or two to teach the world!
By now, many of you must be wondering how Sarah feels about herself. God has his own ways of giving the world, strength to endure. Had Sarah realized that she was different from other children, it would have been a different story from here. But, Sarah is unaware of the fact that she is different from other children. And this is what keeps her from becoming self-conscious. And can you guess her reaction to the pains her parents take in visiting doctors and specialists and taking her from one classroom to another? Of all things…she is amused! That’s right. She has her share of fun by observing Michelle and Alex doing a lot of ‘busy work’ by ‘shuffling’ her from one place to another. Her own life is the only one she has known and she has no complaints, except from the occasional protests when told ‘not’ to do something.
In fact, apart from her learning disability, Sarah is not different from other girls of her age. Her temperament is incredibly smooth and easy-going, and she loves to laugh and sing. Her favorite color is pink, just like other girls her age, she thinks Justin Timberlake is cute, and she loves to play with Barbie dolls. From medical negligence to being molested by her own father, Sarah has suffered a lot. But to make up for it, God has gifted her with a mother of extraordinary strength and perseverance. Nestled in the comforts of a loving family which comprises of a doting mother, a father who is more of a friend, and a caring older brother, Sarah now enjoys her life – a life which previously seemed to be burdened with all sorts of partialities towards her. And as easily as my heart goes out to the pretty child, it bows down to her mother Michelle, who fought against all odds to make sure that her daughter led a happy and normal life.
And this remarkable lady is earnest in her mission to help out other parents in a similar situation. Her advice to parents of ‘special need’ children: “Dont ever let someones final diagnosis be FINAL. Youre the parent. You spend every waking moment with your child, and you KNOW when something isnt right. Go with your instincts, and dont EVER back down. Your childs future and quality of life depends on YOU. Its you job to nurture them, love them, entertain them, discipline them, teach them, and protect them. They cant do it by themselves.“
Michelle also provides you with a list of agencies/organizations who were instrumental in helping her give Sarah the proper treatment and education.
- WVPTI (West Virginia Parent Training and Information) They provide assistance, information, support & training to parents of children with special needs and people who work with these children. Tel: (304) 624-1436 Website: www.wvpti.org
- NICHCY (National Information Center for Children and Youth with disabilities) They guide you through all of the available resources for parenting a child with special needs. They supply you with tons of information to help you with seeking the correct education placement, adapting situations to your childs individuality, as well as the laws pertaining to the rights of children with special needs. Located in Washington, DC. Tel: (800) 999-5599 Website: www.nichcy.org
- WV Advocates the designated protection and advocacy system for the state of West Virginia. These people were a tremendous help in talking me through all of the steps I needed to take in order to see some action regarding my daughters education and her rights. They even offered to go with me to attend any meetings that I didnt feel comfortable handling alone. Tel: (800) 950-5250 Web: http://wvde.state.wv.us/policies andwww.reedmartin.com.
Michelle also adds: ” I realize these are mostly listings for the state of West Virginia, and a lot of people probably need local information for their state, so you can call any of the numbers above, and they will gladly assist in putting you in direct contact with the local divisions that can help you.”
Along with the valuable resources and advice that Michelle provides us with, she is also willing to offer personal assistance to any parents who need her guidance.
| Here’s a personal message from Michelle:s
If any parent out there feels like they dont know where to look to get the help their child needs, PLEASE contact me and I will do everything I possibly can to get you connected with an agency that can and will help you. Ive made a lot of valuable contacts over the course of finding the right place for my daughter. More names and numbers than I could possibly list here, so feel free to E-mail me at: michelle@allaboutweddings.us . Just give me a general idea of your location, and your childs problem, and I will get right back to you with some names and phone numbers for your area. I also have a lot of helpful articles on hand for almost any issues that come up when youre raising children with special needs. From financial concerns, legal concerns, issues at school, how to file a complaint, where to go to receive the proper medical treatment, parent support groups (these are really great!), and So Much More! Please dont feel alone. There IS help out there. |
Michelle has also shared this beautiful, inspiring poem with the readers:
If You Can Remember
If you remember that it takes three Of my steps to equal one of yours; If you understand that I must view life At an eye level three feet below yours; If you can let me try when I am ready instead Of pushing me ahead or holding me back; If you can touch my life with your faith without Taking away my need for self-determination; Then I can grow, learn, and become.
If you can remember that it takes time for me to gain The experience in living that you have already had; If you can understand that I can only relate to those things Which have meaning on my level of maturity; If you can let me take a step of independence when I can, Instead of thrusting me out or pulling me back; If you can touch my life with your hope Without destroying my sense of reality; Then I can grow, learn, and become.
If you can remember that it takes courage For me to try again after failure, just like you; If you understand that I must find Out who I am for myself; If you can let me find my own path when I want instead of choosing for me The way you think I should go; If you can touch my life with your love Without taking away the space I need to breathe; Then I can grow, learn, and become.
~~Marti King, The Montessori Foundation
Courtesy:
Michelle Bailey🙁 Sarahs Mom ) Proud Parent of a Learning Disabled Child Spanishburg, West Virginia
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