Saturday, April 04, 2009

Are You Aware? IV

Some of my favorite links for awareness include little essays and stories about being a special needs parent. How did I feel about parenting and parents before I had a special needs child? How do I now relate to those Other Parents, the ones who are living a life that now seems so far away from mine. How can I explain to those Others what parenting is in my life? How do we reforge those connections of "Parent"?

One of the essays I liked early on was Mother at the Swings by Vicki Forman. It describes a scene I find myself in so often- being at the playpark, with one of those Other Parents who want to connect, and don't know how, but are trying their best. The paradox of isolation while standing with Others doing with they are doing is something I related to at once.

3 comments:

Stacey said...

Thank you SO MUCH! for posting this link to Mother at the Swings. It is very rare to come across an item that so succinctly echoes my own feelings on the topic of motherhood. May I have your permission to link my blog to your post?

Sally's World said...

this is another great post, it is always stories form other parents that make us feel less alone isn't it.

Leightongirl said...

Thanks so much for the link--I'm so happy to hear that the essay resonated with you.