Finding an ally

If you have been reading this blog for sometime, you may remember that back in April 2014, we had a special playdate with a mom and another child who had SM.  We have kept in touch and have seen each other at a sm camp, but live a good distance from each other and have little ones, so it has been hard to visit more frequently.  We decided to get together again this summer and today was the day.

What a difference two years make!  They have both made incredible progress with their SM and were easily able to start communicating with each other and each others mom quite quickly.  Thomas usually takes a good amount of time to warm up to a new child, but they went off playing together and really seemed to get each other right away.  Thomas didn't really remember meeting her before, as he was really young, but we explained to him that she also sometimes had trouble using her words and that she also saw his doctor.  He had a lot of questions and was really excited for our visit, maybe in part because he knew she was similar to him?

SM can be such an isolating thing for a child and their caregivers.  I know I have said it before, but to have another mom who totally understands exactly what your child has and is going through is priceless!  You don't have to explain anything or worry about what your child may or may not say or do.  They just get it and that is such a wonderful feeling, when your daily life seems to be a constant stream of explaining/justifying/fighting for your child.  I imagine this is why the two of them became fast friends.  They understood each other!

Anyway, we had a great time and Thomas was really sad to leave.  We will definitely continue to meet up for our children and for us as moms.  I highly encourage those working with a sm/spd professional to ask if they can put you in touch with another family in your area that is going through the same experience.  It is such a difficult, emotional journey not just for your child, but for you as the caretaker.  Having someone to talk to about sm, bounce ideas off of and encourage during difficult set backs is so incredibly priceless.  It will truly be so beneficial for your child and yourself!