Friends

We all need friends- we need people to share our lives with, (as women) we need friends to bring balance and perspective though it is great to have a spouse, we need other friends.

As previously mentioned, having a child with special needs, often leaves us lonely and isolated. We fear judgement and lack of understanding from the world around us, because we have encountered those who are less than kind about or to our children. We fear that others who have not walked our journey won’t know how to relate to us or our kids, so often we are the ones who create walls trying to protect ourselves from negativity.

I cannot stress enough the importance of good friendships, especially in light of the challenges we face.  I recently have become friends with some moms on facebook who have children with disabilities. It matters not that out children share a diagnosis, but rather that someone else can appreciate and understand the life we lead- just perhaps maybe in a different capacity. We need friends from all walks of life, each person we meet and become friends with has the potential to make our lives better- just by being a friend.

In my personal journey of being a mom, I have been so lonely (it’s ok to admit it if you feel lonely too).  I intend to start trying to seek out parents in our community who have special kids who might need a friend. One of the main focuses of our foundation is to build relationships. Courtland’s Hope Foundation is more than about just meeting the financial needs of families with special kids; we are here for you throughout the journey….. You are not alone!