Shiny, Happy, Mommy Bloggers

I have come to a point where I want to stop reading other women's blogs.  As a blogger that must seem like an odd statement, but I am just being honest.  The problem, or the common theme, with most blogs,  are their universal up beat, happy tone.  Don't get me wrong I enjoy the blogs I read.  There is an abundant amount of talent on the web.  I admire women who are writing and crafting or writing and cooking, or writing and having a normal life.

Deep down inside I aspire to be a "happy, how to blogger".  As a Christian, I wish that I could be more inspiring or at least use what I know to be true to lift myself up, but my life is different than most other mommy bloggers.  I often wonder exactly when my life took this turn, and when I will get back to the person I once was.  I want to be the happy, inspired, mommy blogger.

When you are a parent of a child with special needs the one factor that is essential toe health of your family life is having a strong, supportive, network of friends and family.  Since moving from our former home state, we have watched the limited support we had dwindle to nothing.  My husband and I are the sole care takers of our youngest daughter, Paige.  It is a 24/7 a week job.  At this moment, it has come to the point that she can not be left alone even when I am in the bathroom.

We love our daughter more than words can say.  We would not trade a day of what we have for another situation, but that does not make our life any easier.  The past 12 months, with no support and no respite have taken its toll.  My husband and I no longer have the opportunity to go out on date nights.  The last time we went to a movie was when my parents drove 7 hours to spend time with our family.  I am often so tired I do not have the energy to do the things I love like crafting and painting.  Our lives are much like the movie Ground Hog Day, we wake up to the same routine each and every day.

I am sure I would have so many more readers if I had something more interesting to say.  I guess I am meant to represent the mommy bloggers dedicated to the life of a special needs child.  One word of advice I would like to offer readers, is to please be kind if you know a family like ours.  Be kind to the families of foster parents.  Offer to come over for coffee, to chat, or see if there is a need that can be filled.  Always offer to be a friend.

I can't tell you how different our life would be if someone were to reach out.  I live in a community filled with good Christian people and yet the concept of kindness and friendship is lost somewhere before it makes it to our front door.  In an effort to make life a little easier, I have decided to hire a mother's helper to come in so I could get some much needed work done.  What I would much rather have is a friend.  I am beginning to think that wanting a friend is just a pipe dream.  

Maybe if I ever get to be a happy mommy blogger friends will follow.  Uncomplicated lives are more conducive to friendship, right?  They must be or my phone my be ringing.  For now, I will try to work on upbeat, happy blogs.  I pray that God hears my prayers and sends me the relief we need.