FREEDOM

It’s something we often take for granted until we lose it, right?

Freedom to work

Freedom to vote

Freedom to worship

Freedom to choose how many children we have (or don’t have)

Freedom to marry who we want

Freedom to change things when they’re not working

Freedom to pursue our dreams!

Freedom to rest

Freedom to grieve

Freedom to celebrate!

Freedom to move, if we so choose

Freedom to reach our highest potential!

Freedom to live & breathe & be ourselves in whatever capacity we desire.

BUT –

This freedom can be elusive for some –

Not entirely graspable –

Or palpable –

Or attainable.

Freedom for those of us with profoundly disabled children can look very different & not so “free.”

The inability to attend the local parade because of sights, sounds, & lack of adult changing tables.

The lack of job options that accommodate the demands of the caregiving life.

The hinderance to freedom to choose the firework show because of sensory overload.

The ache that we feel as we decline a cookout invite because of inaccessibility.

The inability to rest because of constant fight or flight.

The divide & conquer with hotdogs & s’mores in our own backyard because of strict, immovable routines.

The fear of moving to a new state because we’ll lose our waiver spot.

The lack of communal worship because there are few special needs ministries.

The inability to vacation because of elopement & meltdowns.

The void of play because parks don’t spend tax payer dollars on big kid options.

The isolation of home which sometimes feels like a prison because the world is not made for children like ours.

FREEDOM

It’s a gift that’s not guaranteed – not even in America.

Notice the families with needs.

Notice how your freedom might look differently than theirs.

Notice & then do.

Do something to help them feel a little more free.

Do something to invite them in

or show them that you care.

Create a special needs ministry.

Reserve spaces of quiet at the local parade.

Set aside your fear & learn.

Ask questions.

Advocate for adult changing tables in public restrooms.

Offer respite.

At the very least, offer a meal.

Recognize that your freedom is not their freedom & then in gratefulness, act accordingly.

Happy 4th of July

God bless America

Just keep livin