BBQ. My kids playing like kids. No nagging; limited fighting. And me in a generally relaxed state of mind.
“I wonder if this is how most parents feel at a party,” I thought to myself.
It was wonderful.
On the outside, we looked like just a regular old family enjoying ourselves at a barbecue. But on the inside, I was gleaming with pride.
We have come so far.
From my oldest son’s year from hell… Behavior challenges. Getting kicked out of school after three weeks, and multiple suspensions throughout kindergarten. Then to his diagnosis— severe ADHD and depression. Then to a transformational year in first grade, along with therapy, support, and so much work.
From my youngest learning how to navigate life as a sibling of a high-needs child — a daunting, hard shadow to live under. And us parents, constantly trying to make sure he gets the attention and support he needs while trudging through very challenging times for us all.
On the outside, we probably looked like a pretty easy going, normal, fancy free family at the BBQ.
But on the inside, I was glowing.
We’ve come so far.
I listened to a sermon this morning that reminded me we are all walking wounded. We are all carrying a limp or a blister on our travels; often in places the other people cannot even see.
Many days, I want to give up. It hurts too much, it’s too hard, and I want to cave to my demons. But we all need how to walk wounded. It’s part of the human experience. And some days — like today — it all feels worth it.
Because we’ve come so far.
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