Over seven years ago, I attended my first support group for twice exceptional parents. There was still so much to learn about my family’s differences, strengths and story. My son’s final year in a poor-fit school program had shattered me. I carried the ache and guilt from the unhappiness he had experienced.
In that small group, a psychologist invited us to go around the room and share two words that described our understanding of twice exceptional. When it was my turn, I said, “Beautiful and Broken,” and then I put my head down and burst into tears. Not teared up. I wept.
I hold loads of compassion for that momma who was trying so hard.
She had a great deal on her plate and lots of discoveries to make. She also was at a point where she might describe her children as broken.
If I had a DeLorean I’d travel back in time and reassure that hurting mother~ her children are indeed beautiful, and they are whole. They aren’t broken. It’s the road that is broken. And we are fixing it.
A Rascal Flatts song comes to my mind now and then~
Every long-lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
The hard things we experienced led me to fight for what my children needed. I’m thankful for the broken path that was the catalyst to learn, discover, advocate and build. When we trod new trails for our own children, I believe we also are creating future paths for those who don’t have the tools, education and resources to fight for their children in the same capacity.
A cobblestone road in Rome. I confess I took LOADS of photos of the ground while we were in Italy this past summer. The ancient paths we continue to tread upon today were mesmerizing. I loved finding chariot wheel markings worn into roads. I’m hopeful that many of us are together laying the groundwork for future families to navigate their differently wired journey.
If you are hurting from a broken road, I hope you can hold heaps of grace and compassion for yourself. From further down the road, I can say it gets better. You’re not alone, and we can do this.
~Christina
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