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You are here: Home / Blog / Disabled Parenting / Motherhood

Motherhood

May 17, 2016 by Jennifer Senda 5 Comments

As I am writing this, my son is watching an animated feature film about accepting others unconditionally­­ Photo of mother sitting in manual wheelchair with her son standing on her foot petals leaning in. They are hugging one another.via monsters!

At six, his questions are incessant. Some of those questions involve my disability: “Mommy, why can’t you walk?” “Will we need an elevator in this house forever?” “Why don’t they build steps that can turn into a ramp?” These are typical questions for Edward right now.

I have cerebral palsy, so I showed him a video of how the brain works and tried to explain my condition in terms he would understand. This has led to even more questions, which can drive me up the wall, if I’m being honest.

That being said, he is the adventure of a lifetime, and my biggest fear. I read about so many stories about inspirational people who have completed so much despite their disability, and I think, T​hey are not inspiring because they live with a disability; they are inspiring because they finished something. Most mornings I’m lucky to finish a cup of coffee before i officially start my day. I say Edward is my biggest fear because on top of all the “normal” parenting worries, there are other important factors to consider:

  • Will his teacher understand that I cannot attend every event or meeting due to accessibility concerns?
  • Will the school bus company adjust his stop without me having to use the ADA as a threat?
  • Will ADA­ compliance ever mean more than just a ramp to some people to some people/businesses/organizations?
  • Will the signal buttons on the crosswalk ever be reachable in my state?

I digressed a bit, but these are all issues which factor into parenting with a disability because, as a parent, you want to meet all the needs your children have. Performing daily tasks should not require a big production, but a lot of times, productions are necessary. A necessary evil, so to speak.

Acceptance is a key phrase in our little family; patience is another. Life is all about give-­and-­take. I’m hopeful that Edward and I are on our way to mastering this. I am attempting to teach him to do his own research to answer all of the questions he has. We’ll see how far my attempts go. For now, his extremely inquisitive nature is both a blessing and a curse.

“To parent is an awfully big adventure!” ­J.M.M. Barrie,​paraphrased.

Photo of mother and son. Son is kissing mother on the cheek, the mother is smiling and hugging son

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Filed Under: Disabled Parenting Tagged With: acceptance, accessibility, adapting, disability, disabled mom, school age child

Jennifer Senda

About Jennifer Senda

My name is Jennifer Senda. I am a disabled mom who has cerebral palsy. My son, Edward, is a rambunctious six­year­old who keeps my wheels turning. I am also a college student, so I am constantly on the go. My son is the most wonderful experience I’ve ever had. I hope to reach out to other parents ­and prospective parents­ with disabilities that the experience of parenthood is possible for everyone, no matter how they come by it. Love knows no boundaries!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarNora says

    May 18, 2016 at 9:36 am

    Jenni,

    Your article has brought tears to my eyes! The truth is I have nothing to complain about when it comes to parenting. YES! It takes alottt of patience but its alll worth it at the end of the day. You have inspired me soo much, you have no idea. I could say to you keep doing it, keep striving, but your article has taken the words right out of my mouth. Jenni, eres una bendicion para tu hijo como el para ti! Cuidate mija

    Nora

    Reply
  2. Jennifer SendaJennifer Senda says

    May 18, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    Thank you, Nora! Abrazos para ti y para Gio.❤

    Reply
  3. AvatarKatherine says

    July 7, 2016 at 4:47 pm

    I’m a para and have recently had my first baby. I’ve been blogging throughout my pregnancy at http://www.parapregnancy.blogspot.com sharing my challenges and experiences. I found it very difficult to find much information on para mums, so I’ve shared my experience in the hope of helping the next mum-to-be who goes looking.

    Reply
    • Jennifer SendaJennifer Senda says

      July 7, 2016 at 5:02 pm

      Congratulations! I will check out your blog asap.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Challenges and Rewards of Parenting with a Disability - Ablethrive says:
    June 29, 2016 at 12:31 pm

    […] can read more about Jennifer’s journey in motherhood in this original post by Disabled Parenting […]

    Reply

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