I have been sitting on this post for awhile. I've been trying to find the "right" words to say and how I want to say it. So here it goes....
I have to admit that I do not love the term "special needs". It feels like a label that someone gives you that you cannot escape. And we all have needs, maybe some more special than others. Maybe you wear glasses, use a hearing aid, take medications for a medical condition, had to have speech therapy, struggle with your weight, or take insulin for diabetes. We all have or have had or will have a need of some kind, at some point in our lives.
With that being said, I was hesitant to put anything about our son's medical condition on this blog or anywhere else. For fear, that he would be labeled. I do not want him to be labeled by his medical needs, but I want people to see him for who he is, for who God created him to be. Our son has Spina Bifida. Without going into too many details, it is a medical condition that can affect his ability to walk, run and can cause some other limitations, as well. Currently, he is doing very well. They tell me he can walk and run (although he may need some physical therapy after coming home). This may not always be the case, although I pray for his sake that it is. But should God have other plans, we are okay with that. And I feel it is our job, as his parents, to teach him that God has a plan for him and he is valued, important and loved.
This is a medical condition that I had never considered before on this road to adoption, but God has given me a place in my heart for this little boy. It doesn't matter what medical condition he has or "special need" he has. He is God's precious child, and God has entrusted me to be his mother.
So I encourage you, when you see someone that has a medical disability or special need, look them in the eye and say "hello". Treat them, as you would treat anyone else. If you have the opportunity, get to know them for who they are. Get to know their heart. This is how I hope and pray people treat my son.
