This is for my fellow mommas who have a child with Autism, ADHD, mental/ behavioral health issues. Some days it’s just so hard. Who am I kidding. Most days are so hard and exhausting. It’s been a few years now since my son received his diagnosis’s. We still aren’t where I’d like us to be and honestly I don’t know if we ever will be. But we make the best out of it. He is surrounded with an amazing team of therapist, case management and med management. I have put in place every resource available to help him. We are pushing through and I want you other moms to know you are not alone.

I see you taking your kid to therapy while your friends take their kids to football or ballet.

I see you sneak out of the conversation when all your friends boast about achievements and exam notes.

I see you juggle events and meetings.

I see you sitting on the computer for hours investigating what your child needs.

I see you make a bad face when people complain about what looks like nonsense.

I see you disappear little by little but you keep going beyond for your family.

I see you pull strength from weakness with a force you didn't even dream you had.

I see you showing respect for teachers, therapists and medical professionals who help your child and help you.

Watching you wake up early in the morning to do it all again after another chaotic night.

I see you when you're on the edge of the precipice struggling to live.

I know you feel invisible, like no one notices.
But I want you to know that I see you.

I see you push forward always. I see you choose to do everything you can to give your child the best care at home, school, therapy and the doctors.
What you do matters. It's worth the struggle.

On those days when you wonder if you can make it one more minute, I want you to know I see you.

I want you to know that you are beautiful.
I want you to know it's worth it. I want you to know that you are not alone. I want you to know that love is the most important thing, and that you are the best at it.

And in those days when you see an improvement, those moments when hard work has its reward, and you can taste success, I'll see you then too.
And I'm proud of you.

Whatever day today...
...you're doing it right.

And I see you. ❤

✒ Alethea Mshar
📷 John Walker / Flickr