Dr. Laura:
After trying for five years to become a mother, I was blessed with twin girls. One went to heaven while the other stayed here to teach me the real value of life. My daughter now 13 years old was diagnosed shortly after birth with a brain bleed leading to the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. We have been through every emotion and struggle in the book, however, her love for life, her siblings, and her surroundings has made me a very proud mom.
I decided when we first had children that I was going to be a stay-at-home mom until every last one of my babies was out of the house. It definitely has had its challenges dealing with a teen with a disability and three other children, but today while making breakfast before school, I realized that it’s all been worth it. As I was flying around the kitchen, I was talking to my children about school and life. My 13 year old started talking about her desires for the future and what she wants to do when she graduates. She has always wanted to be a doctor and has worked hard in school achieving the Principal’s Honor Roll even through all the challenges. I have always encouraged her to be anything she wants to be. She said, “Mom, I would actually be an awesome speech therapist!” I said “YES! You could do it from home and have a ‘helper/nanny’ for your kids.” She said, “Mom, I will never have a nanny or put my children in daycare!” I was so proud knowing that, even though the struggles with her body and the possibility of needing help in the future, she felt so strongly that SHE was going to raise her children!
Thank you, Dr. Laura, for being the voice for future mothers and helping the present ones stay strong.
Sincerely,
Andrea
