Reconnecting with one’s self after having kids.

“I found who I was meant to be by having a child with disabilities.”

A 6 year reflection as a mom to my twin boys.

Honestly it has been tough REAL tough for me. All of the unknowns, the worries and the pressures of us parents raising children may have and especially children with disabilities.

I was overwhelmed, stressed out and all of the above. No one gave me a guide book of this unplanned journey. I still ask myself this question why?

My children’s Cerebral Palsy is due to being born prematurely. When I was told my children may have disabilities, the first thing I did was Google the term “Cerebral Palsy”. I instantly cried my eyes out after reading in the first line “there is no treatment and no cure”.

I closed myself off from the world.

I was terrified.

I felt helpless.

I lost myself.

As a mother with first two micro preemies and then two children with cerebral palsy. I felt alone, I had no professional emotional support or guidance to tell me “Celia everything will be okay.” I trusted in God and believe he has a plan for my sons but I didn’t know any other mothers who were in my shoes. I wished I had someone I could relate with, ask questions and seek emotional support.

I felt like I lost my identity which I’m sure other super moms can relate. After those first stressful years I reconnected with myself and rediscover myself.

Us moms tend to neglect ourselves and our own needs in the middle of mothering. I sacrificed my hobbies, career, and social outings with family and friends.

However Motherhood has pushed me to learn more about myself than I ever thought was possible. It has stretched my limits – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I have become an advocate, educator, specialist, a therapist, and most of all a mom to not just one little warrior but two sweet, determined, kind and amazing warriors!

I have learned so much over these past 6 years. Thinking about it now… I never imagined myself learning and taking classes on physical therapy, fascia massages, movements therapy.

I never imagined myself traveling the world and searching for new therapies and treatments to help my child. Most importantly I never imagined how much love I would have for my children.

I have realized after some LONG years having children with disabilities can be beautiful.

I get to see miracles everyday. As a parent with a “normal” child I probably wouldn’t pay attention too or even notice. I appreciate life so much more by watching my sons grow and develop in their own ways. Maybe not of a typical child’s which now I understand is okay. Of course I wish that life can be easier for them but I wouldn’t change them for anything. It’s their quality of life that is worrisome. And I pray everyday they will be accepted, respectfed, treated as everyone else, and most of all simply live a joyous life.

Attention all Moms 💜💗💜💗

Don’t get caught up in those worries, fears and guilt. Our children need us strong emotionally, physically and mentally. Trust me it is not easy, not one bit. However I know it can be done. The only way is by sometimes putting ourselves first.

Other important advice is talking about it, don’t keep it in.

Surround yourself by positive friends, and people that understand your situation.

Reconnect with yourself... find those things you loved doing, let those things go & most of all make time for yourself because you deserve it.

-written by a proud mommy.