We do the countdown to zero and then officially another year is in the books. And the new year stands before us all bright, shiny and fresh.

What will the year bring?  What will we do with this fresh new start.  So many of us participate in that yearly ritual called NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS.  You know those things we promise to change, not do or add to our lives.  It is a way that we acknowledge this new start.

I am not really one of those people who do these resolutions,I think earlier in my life, I may have subscribed to these as I promised to always do my homework early, and to watch how much chocolate I was eating. They did not last long as I loved to watch too much T.V. and I absolutely love chocolate.  But you get the idea.

I think as I have gotten older, I have stopped participating in this because life gets more complicated and that one and only day to change things just is not enough.  Life requires switching, adjusting and planning all year.

Now flash to the day Elizabeth entered our live.  She is our daughter with special needs of Sensory Processing Disorder and Global Dyspraxia.  She did not talk until the age of five or walk until way over two years old.  She challenged us in so many ways, ways that we did not know existed.  Life with Elizabeth required changing and adjusting on a near to daily basis.  Sometimes, even hourly.

Resolutions may be a good thing for some but  those who have a special needs child in their lives know that life’s needs and changes cannot wait until the calendar say:

January 1

We need to think about our child’s needs each day.  Adjust to their current moods and emotions.  Promise ourselves we do a certain thing tomorrow.  It is like our resolutions happen each day and almost are required to happen everyday.

I love watching television on January 1st because so many of the topics involve how people will make this “THE BEST YEAR EVER”  be it by eating better, working out more or managing life’s challenges better.  It is funny but the perspective I have about what makes the year the best ever is so very different than most. I can include the stuff mentioned but also includes: Will Elizabeth do well in school? Achieve more independence? or Master a new skill?  These are some of the inherent questions and evaluations that go through my mind as I look to a new year.

Having a child with special needs changes all things and at times like this, the difference is felt even more so.   So for those who tune into the “Rocking Eve” show this week, know that you are not alone when you wonder about how the new year will go or how well the last year went.  I am with you.

I know that our individual journeys are very different but they do share the same goal to do the very best for your child each and everyday.  And those days become years. And those years are marked by the celebrations we will all see and go through in a few days.  But knowing you would do anything in the world for your special child, will fuel you to face another year with the strength to adjust, work and plan to make the year all that it can be!  I know I will.

I wish everyone a peaceful start to 2019!

Michele Gianetti author of “I Believe In You: A Mother and Daughter’s Special Journey” and “Emily’s Sister”

 

 

 

 

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