Why This Episode is Important
This episode is one of the most important episodes of this entire podcast. What I know now is that when you are raising a child with special needs, there is a part of you that has to die. And I know that sounds a little crazy, but what I mean is that raising a child with special needs requires you to change. It requires you to be a better version of yourself. Through change comes grieving and processing through the feelings that you are having. I wanted to replay these episodes because they still ring true. If you are someone who is processing through some sort of diagnosis, listen to this episode and to the next four upcoming episodes.
Going Through the Stage of Denial
When I created the five episodes about grief, it was just me behind a mike. I didn’t have an audience or social media following. I just knew other parents were going through the same thing. I couldn’t imagine that something as profound as raising a child with special needs couldn’t have the same kind of effect on everyone else getting that diagnosis. I recorded these episodes three or four months before I even announced I had a podcast. I was scared of judgement, being called out, and none of those fears came true.
Throughout the last couple years, especially when I talk to a mom who is recently processing some sort of diagnosis, it always comes down to fear, sadness, depression, anger, jealousy, and comparison. It always comes down to the same things and it all stems from grief. This episode is all about the stage of denial. Denial is tricky because it is one of those things we don’t know we are in when we are experiencing it. Going through the stages of grief is the only way to get to acceptance. If you don’t dissect your beliefs, then you won’t get to the place of acceptance.
The Power of Acceptance
I just wanted to say I appreciate you being here. This podcast can sometimes be heavy. I speak about the most painful parts of my life. Stages of grief and grieving the child I thought I should have are some of the most painful parts of my life. But on the other side of that comes acceptance. Acceptance freed my soul and made me realize that Remy’s life and her having autism and epilepsy, while they are challenging and sometimes hard and painful, is also the most life giving gift that’s ever been given to me. It has opened me up to becoming a better version of myself. If you have a child with special needs, that child is a gift to you and the world. The process of growth is painful and it isn’t easy, but it’s part of the process.
Click here if you would like to read the full show notes. I would love to know what you think about this episode!
