From a Mother’s Heart: Loving and Fighting for My Special Child

I am a mother.

Not just by name, but with a heart full of pain, smiling lips, tearful eyes at night, and hands always ready to hug. My motherhood is different because my son is different.

My son is ten years old.

But his mind and behavior are like a five-year-old child. He can walk, eat, and talk, but not like his peers. He forms simple sentences, but sometimes no one understands him. Doctors have said his IQ is low and his brain is injured. These words are not just medical terms for me; they are shadows that accompany my life every day.

I live daily between hope and despair.

When others talk about their children’s progress, I only think of my son’s smile and tell myself: “That is enough because he is alive and knows how to love.”

No one knows what I have been through.

My friends abandoned me, my family judged me, and my community did not understand me. But I stayed. I stood firm because he needed me. If I weren’t here, who would stay for him? Who would love him unconditionally?

I was a woman who changed her life for her child.

My husband, the father of my son, instead of support, gave us pain. He hurt me, my sick son, and my two other children. His violence was like poison polluting our home. Screams, fear, beatings, threats… all part of our daily life. But I did not want to stay in that darkness anymore. I resisted; I saved myself and my children. I never called it running away because I fought.

Today, when I see my son struggling but smiling while eating, when he puts his hand in mine and softly says “Mother dear,” at that moment, I forget all past pains. Because this one word, this look, this embrace is worth more than the whole world to me.

Living with a special child is not easy.

No one truly knows how hard it is to always be careful, to be like a doctor, nurse, teacher, and friend all at once. You cannot get tired because he depends on you. You cannot get sick because if you fall, he falls too.

But despite all hardships, our love is stronger than anything.

My son may not read poems or run like others, but he can love. He can smile. He can tell me with his eyes that he loves me. And that is enough.

Many nights I sleep with tears, but I wake up with hope.

I know I must continue. I know I must fight for his future, even if the whole world says it is useless. I do not listen because I am a mother. And a mother fights as long as she breathes.

For my son, I became everything – father, mother, doctor, teacher, and protector.

In a society that only sees him as a “problem child,” I became his hope and home.

In a world that always rushes, I slowed down for him so he can take his small steps calmly.

My son may not have a great future, but in my heart, he is the greatest hero.

Despite all limitations, he lives, loves, and learns. And every day, I stand proudly by his side.

He is my reason to breathe.

With all difficulties, with all differences, I love him.

My son, you are my whole world. And until my last breath, I will be with you.

A Message for All Mothers, Fathers, and the Respected Council

To all mothers and fathers who have special children, I say: support your child with love and patience.

They need kindness, not violence.

Our children are different, but like the sunlight, they have the ability to shine.

With compassion and understanding, let us pave the way for their growth and happiness.

And to the respected community council, I ask you to increase your understanding and support for these mothers and families.

Let them voice their silent pain and receive help.

Women and men whose children face challenges need your empathy and support, not judgment and discrimination.

Our children are the future of this society,

and we must build a bridge of hope and love for them with our hands together.

Life is beautiful when we stand together and respect differences.