Extraordinary Kid

I've debated this post a bunch of times. I end up choosing not to do it because it's kind of personal. If you know me I'm kinda a personal person. Things that are close to my heart aren't shared often but I guess that's going to change today. I'm not sure why I feel like I need to share some of my acquired knowledge on this topic but I do... Today I am going to write about one of my greatest crafty creations... my son Jayden.

"If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation-- not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day in this life or the next." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

You see I'm an ordinary mom of an extraordinary kid.

ex·traor·di·nar·y /ikˈstrôrdnˌerē/ Adjective

1. Very unusual or remarkable.

2. Unusually great.

 

Synonyms: aberrant, aberrated, abnormal, anomalous, atypical, especial, exceeding, extraordinaire, exceptional, freak, odd, peculiar, phenomenal, preternatural, rare, singular, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted

(Interesting how some of these words are positive and others are negative.  I'm going to take all the postive ones!)

 

We (family) often joke about renting Jayden out to people that are sad. He has a way of making you feel loved especially when you are sad. Jayden has his own set of trails.  I have a habit of jumping ahead. Jayden was born a healthy 9 pound baby. He was a serious eater and sleeper. Both traits are still true of him. He was a easy going baby so it wasn't surprising to me that he was a late crawler/ walker. At about 18 months he regressed in his speech and stopped making eye contact with most people. I was told the speech thing was normal and I don't believe I even made a big deal about the eye contact because the kid was so darn good at physical affection. It's around the age of 2 1/2 I started thinking maybe something was going on.

Jayden is now 6 and doesn't have an official diagnosis (in about 6 months we may) as of yet but I have my own thoughts of what is going on.  Jayden is still my most loving child.  It's hard for him to keep eye contact, he has some sensory issues, some obessive-compusive issues, and anxiety.  I love my extraordinary kid and don't want to change him in anyway.  It's me I want to change.  Change to be a better mom.  A mom my kid deserves.  One of the hardest things about this journey is feeling alone and judged.  It's a whole process of feelings....denial, love, fear, sadness, anger, empowerment and happiness.  The most helpful thing that I have found is to talk to other moms of extraordinary kids. 

This post and future posts are about awareness and support.  I feel I need to give back what I have received.  Once a week guest bloggers and/or myself (all moms or people who work with extraordinary kids) will share experiences and resources.  I don't claim be an expert.  I do have experience with schools, church and insurance companies.  I have learned to become fierce when I need to be....when people try to convince me to make a decision about Jayden when my heart tells me it's wrong.  I've had friends say hurtful things.  Best of all I am loved by one extraordinary kid and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"It is often in the trail of adversity that we learn those most critical lessons that form our character and shape our destiny." -Dieter F. Uchdorf