Who wouldn't want to be told what a great parent they are? Who doesn't want to think that their kids are lucky for having them as parents? Who doesn't want everyone to know how hard they work to do what's best for their kids?
Me. I get really uncomfortable when somebody tells me how lucky my kid is for having me, and what a great job I'm doing as her parent. I tend to think of it as a backhanded compliment of some kind. Like it's a surprise that I turned out to be more than simply competent. It's possible I'm over-thinking this, but every time it happens I'm sort of gobsmacked, and usually can manage to mutter out a brief thank-you.
Rachel has epilepsy. She had her first seizure at age 8, and we've been struggling for answers and treatment that works for almost 11 years now. Her seizures are poorly controlled, and have led to an anxiety/panic disorder, and a feeling of isolation. We work hard to make sure she socializes as much as possible, and doesn't end up a hermit.
Lately I've been doing tons of research on cannabis therapy, following other parental blogs, Facebook groups, and friends who are already using this therapy for their kids. The next step is getting Rachel her MMJ card, and finding a steady supply of high-quality meds for her. Of course, we have to be able to pay for it, so that's also an issue.
It's work, but definitely a labor of love. Rachel deserves the best life we can help her achieve. She recently was very abruptly dumped by her boyfriend of almost 3 years. It was heartbreaking for her, and infuriating for her parents. This boy was always someone we approved of, who treat her very well, until he didn't, and it was confusing for all of us.
No more waiting around to see what happens with their relationship, so we are moving forward, full steam ahead, and helping our girl achieve independence, and a sense of who she is, without waiting for a white knight to rescue her. She will be her own hero, and forge her own path. To wait for some guy to come along who wants to be a caregiver for a grown woman is to rob Rachel of the dignity she needs to be a fully formed woman.
I don't think I would want to know a parent who wouldn't do these things for their child. I don't think I'm a hero because I do them. I know I've made mistakes. I know we've been over-protective, even before the seizures started. I also know that I want Rachel to know her own power, to trust her own instincts, to believe in herself.
Mostly, I know how lucky I am to have this girl for my kid.
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