As
a blogger and parent of children with disabilities (ADHD counts even if the federal government won't offer services for it), I currently follow several
blogs concerning the daily challenges faced by parents of intellectually disabled children. I
address special needs issues from time to time on my own blog as well. So, since
I am immersed in this SpEd world, I want to share some of my insights gleaned
from a particular blog: Yeah. Good Times.
I wouldn’t normally read a blog so faithfully that has such heavy doses of swearing, etc. throughout its
pages, but this mom has a way about her that is endearing. I came to be acquainted with Jill through Twitter and it was all over from there. Her honest wit charmed me.
First and foremost, Jill is a great
example of advocacy and loving the child no matter what—even when it was just said
(wrote on a blog for the world to
read) how much a behavior and all its entails might drive her mad. I have learned a great deal about what it
means to step up to the advocacy plate that I did not realize people have had
to go through. Don't get me wrong, I've had my fair share of messed up situations to deal with, but I only had my experiences from which to draw until meeting up with Ms. Jill.
My perspective has also been enlightened on what I have
tolerated but probably should not; hence, I have changed my stance on when and when not to
say something to those who obviously do not have children with a disability. Along with parental discernment, more than once her words have guided me to
understand some of the teaching concepts I am learning as an educator. I believe I will be a more capable general
education teacher because of how she has enriched my views and understanding of
what parents go through each day to help their child feel successful in the
school environment.
Her unfettered display of humanity provides a sense of
community for which I am grateful. Being a parent of children with special needs can be challenging because we get feeling so alone and isolated unless we find/create a circle of support. I have joined in her online community a few times, and when I had a rough spot (Heartbreak Hotel: Lunchroom Edition), she put the word out and her community came to me. I felt so blessed in my misery. Her taking that bit of time to share my words caused a wave of encouragement that continues on.
By reading blogs, such as Yeah. Good Times., I have been able to
raise my level of awareness when I didn’t think I could raise it any higher.
Pro Tip:
If swearing and drunkenness is offensive to you, just scan past those parts like I do and you still get all the benefits of her wit and wisdom. She is decidedly worth it.
Pro Tip:
If swearing and drunkenness is offensive to you, just scan past those parts like I do and you still get all the benefits of her wit and wisdom. She is decidedly worth it.
OMG I had to read this in stages. Thank you so much <3 <3
ReplyDeleteThis was the elaborated blog (parent aspects etc.) version, but remember, I wrote a college paper about you. Thank you for making a difference in my life. I love your guts! :)
DeleteJill's blog is a lot more than a blog, too. It connects people. I know my "autism support group" in a large part because of her blog as well as Adventures in Extreme Parenthood. I LOVE Jill's blog and her honesty and HUMOR.
ReplyDeleteYes, she is a ringmaster of honest humor and support. I feel blessed to be connected with so many parents now who share in the same trials and triumphs. I'm glad to see *you* here! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI actually got to meet Jill in person once :) She's awesome and so is that Lexi person who commented up there :)
ReplyDeleteJust call me grape jelly from now on ;)
Deletei LOVE her blog too. very different from my style, but that's why i love it. she says all the brash things i am too self-consious to say and thinks all the things that shock me but that i also "get." plus, i pee myself with laughter every time i see those drawings of hers! Im glad you're touting her blog - she is AWESOME! :) Im a fan.
ReplyDelete