As a parent with a disability, I firmly believe in teachable moments, learning experiences, and the like. The parenting experience has definitely been one of self-awareness, joy, tears, and yes, even pain. It is impossible for my son to pretend I fit into the societal expectations of what a mom should be because the cards […]
son
How things change: Reflections from a disabled mom about the holidays
Everything was difficult for me as a disabled mom, and I say it that way now looking back as I marvel at how I survived raising kids in a nondisabled world before access to technology afforded us some of the small luxuries we enjoy now, and before disabled moms were as visible as they seem […]
5 Steps to Hope
As a parent, my children luckily have not had very many occasions where they have to go to the hospital, nevermind stay overnight. I can only recall twice that my younger son has had to stay one night in the hospital. I never had to bring my older son for an overnight. I know I […]
Not in Spite of Me, Because of Me
I would like to say that having a disability and being a mother, are two unrelated characteristics about me. Unfortunately, just like all other facets of my life, my role as a mother is directly affected by FA (my disease). Some aspects of my parenting style are the same as they would be, but even […]
My Son’s Disability Taught Me to Be Proud of My Own Disability
This blog first appeared at Rooted in Rights and is being cross-posted with permission. When I was born, the doctors told my parents I was blind. That was the first line of my college application essay and the narrative starting point of my life. My parents took me to the doctor because my eyes were […]
Mother: Reflections from a Mother with a Disability
I am a mother. I carried my child in my womb and I felt his movements. His heartbeat kept time with mine because he came from me… He is mine. I am his mother. I use a wheelchair. And yet, that has never changed the fact that I am his mother. There is pain, (there […]
Playground Anxieties as a Mom with a Disability
Springtime is finally here! My five-year-old is beyond excited to finally be able to get out of the house and go to the playground. While I love the warm weather and spending time outdoors, going to the playground with my five-year-old fills me with instant anxiety. Let me explain: I have a physical disability that […]
A Normal Life
They cried when I went back to work. They cried, and begged me not to go —begged me to stay with them like I’d done for so long. And although I might have appeared tough when I told them not to cry, my heart was already broken when I kissed them goodbye, and boarded the […]
Everything is a Process: Musings from a Mother with a Disability
This is something I am repeating to myself constantly. It has become my mantra. Parenting is a long walk with children, featuring endless questions, lots of laughter and tears, and sometimes, if I’m being honest, anger is present. The munchkin is a fiery ball of energy, and I have to strategize when parenting. My expectations […]
Your Mama’s In A Wheelchair
You came home crying one day because a boy at school insulted you —said something “bad” about your mama. Tears of anger and hurt rolled down your little boy face when you explained the boy had said that your mama’s in a wheelchair, and you punched him for saying that, I guess, because in your […]