ENTHUSIASM OF THE NEW PARENT

 http://theumbrellanetwork.org/

Recently I attended a general session for anyone to turn up at the newly opened branch of the Umbrella Network.

Although it was gratifying to spend time with others discussing ways to improve one's own life within the constrictions that looking after special needs children bring, I almost envied the sense of hope that parents of young children with syndromes or disabilities still possess.  My daughter with Cornelia De Lange syndrome is 15 now and I am waaaaaaaay past believing in the fervent promises of all the therapists about all the things I can do to make my child better, or perhaps even "normal".

Even worse, I am sceptical to say the least in all of their "therapeutic" claims.  I know for a fact that one physiotherapist put back my daughter's progress toward walking by at least two years.  She walked at 7.

I found it very difficult not to instill wariness in wasting spending all that time, effort and money toward a goal that more often than not is unattainable for a child with a syndrome.  I just couldn't pass the baton of hopelessness and heartbreak on to the next person in the relay.