In the short time of having this blog, on Instagram and the website, I've been touched by so many stories and supporters that I can't not acknowledge it. This entire On Both Fronts project was started to reach out to others, become acquainted and supported, in my own journey that I was completely unprepared for. But in time, I've discovered that I am more of a person that people need support from, rather than giving support to me (though I am offered a fair share of that too!). I didn't realize that my strength was a blessing in disguise. I didn't realize how many were needing a person like me to make them feel better, to know it was going to be okay, that they can make it through this without losing themselves. I'm so glad that I've been able to be that person for them. They deserve it. I will never forget their storiesFathers, mothers, community supporters and loved ones of the special needs community reach out to me, and I can promise you that I am truly blessed to hear your stories. My Instagram receives many messages and photos of their children, telling me their stories, struggles and triumphs. I am ecstatic. Sharing such a personal fight with someone is difficult. I STILL haven't fully disclosed everything to close personal people on Facebook because of my own worries of misunderstanding and judgement. I'm much more comfortable sharing his story to "strangers" who have chosen to become a part of our lives and see his struggles. And I'm forever grateful to the ones who share their story to me. I've heard many, offered advice and support in whatever way I could. Mostly, I'm just happy to be seen as a figure that you can contact and feel supported by. Support isn't just growing on trees in this world, and we all need MUCH more of it. So please, don't hesitate to contact me. My open letter to all you:Thank you. Just thank you. All of your comments hit my heart. Your advice is always welcome (within reason). The messages, the gifts you send the boys (which they adore), are a happy experience in our days when we've felt just like the world will never be there for us when we need it most. Our struggles never seem so big when we see the things other friends must go through. The strength of all these parents, teachers and therapists in my following transfers to me. I am made stronger because of you. I push on forward, and let the 'haters' (trolls is a more fitting name) slide off my back because they don't mean anything to my boys or me. I couldn't have gotten this from anyone else in the world. I've gotten it all from you guys. And I'll never be able to repay that debt back. My mission in life is to only try to give you something back, whether it is support or kind words or advice or direction or just to talk. I am always here for that. This short little blog post cannot even do justice to how life changing this has been and continues to be. And if you are one of those who is running out of options, running on low, feeling so down you can't get up again, please reach out to me. Depression and clinical exhaustion aren't easy things to deal with, especially alone, and I'll spare the time to help you see the light without feeding in more darkness.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorGabrielle Rae is a special needs, stay at home mommy of two boys. She enjoys reading and writing novels in her spare time. @onbothfrontsArchives
August 2018
Tell me. |