I am spoliled and I know it VENTING!!!!

[Tigger&Belle]

It's nice to see that parents of normal kids do understand a little of what we go through. There are days when I can't be noble one minute more because I've already cleaned up the dishes which were smashed by a child in an autistic rage, driven a different child to see the psychiatrist(again) in hope that he won't kill himself during the night, and experienced all the eye-rolling and hair-blowing of a typical, hormonal 12yo girl who didn't get picked for the choir solo. On days like that i just go into my room and scream awhile. Thankfully, most days are not as dramatic(some days are worse!)
Most of the parents of special needs kids would rarely, if ever, complain about their kids in a public forum, mostly because they know that others just can't comprehend it. But thanks for standing up for the OP. I'll tell you what--don't ever think this can't happen to you

It's true that it's hard to comprehend what the family of a special needs child goes through. I hope that I never have to experience it firsthand, but a little empathy goes a long way. And you're right--any of our lives could change in the blink of an eye.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

You know, after going to WDW 3 times in 36 months, I personally WANT a break from WDW. I feel like I don't appreciate it anymore. Why not see this as a way to take a break from WDW vacations and then when you do go back, you'll fall in love with it all over again! You'll appreciate your trip in '07 SO much more by skiping a year, I think, and have an even better time because of it!

I keep saying that I want a break from WDW, then I get home and start planning the next trip.

I think part of the deal for the OP is that WDW makes it easier to vacation with a special needs child than some other places make it.

Not the same thing, but friends of ours went to WDW last year with their kids. None are special needs, but one of their boys has a lot of dietary restrictions--no wheat, nuts, dairy, etc. They were so impressed that they were able to go to the Italian restaurant (in Epcot I think) and they had several different wheat free pastas for him to choose from, wheat-free dinner rolls, desserts, etc. She told me that it was so wonderful that he felt "normal" and actually had food to choose between. And they will return to WDW.

 

[hugsquared]

HMMM everyone wake up on the wrong side of the bed.

Nope. But most of the ones who constantly post those remarks seem to "live" on the wrong side of the bed.

 

[minkydog]

I think part of the deal for the OP is that WDW makes it easier to vacation with a special needs child than some other places make it.

Not the same thing, but friends of ours went to WDW last year with their kids. None are special needs, but one of their boys has a lot of dietary restrictions--no wheat, nuts, dairy, etc. They were so impressed that they were able to go to the Italian restaurant (in Epcot I think) and they had several different wheat free pastas for him to choose from, wheat-free dinner rolls, desserts, etc. She told me that it was so wonderful that he felt "normal" and actually had food to choose between. And they will return to WDW.

That's exactly why we love WDW so much.
*Austistic child won't eat his meal? No problem--waiter will personally find him some fruit cocktail and mashed potatoes.

*Hubby needs oxygen? No problem--hotel staff will wheel the tank up to our room and refuse a tip.

*Bipolar teenager has a meltdown in MGM? no problem--CM helps kid calm down & find the bus to our hotel. Another CM gives him some pizza.

*Cinderella meets family, quickly sizes up autistic son and does all the right things. Autistic son responds by laying his head on her arm.

*Snow White spots DD in a crowd and coos, "THERE you are! I've been looking for you!" DD is in love.

 

[minniecarousel]

hey - this is the right place to vent!

 

[birdiesunshine]

Oh please. The title of the thread is "I'm spoiled and I know it". I'm not giving any sympathy either.

Jealous?

 

[L107ANGEL]

To the original poster hugs and strength Sunshine You rock in my book and you are not whining, you are venting just as you titled this thread! As for those of you that want to make snide comments, I hope you never know the true emotions of a special needs child because you are clearly not up to the challenge! Oh, it is a challenge by the way, and it also holds rewards that your cold little hearts can not conceive. Back to bashing those of us that are less then perfect now

 

[D L and K's Mom]

I just love it here!! I love all the different posts. The good ones, the bad ones....we all have different ways of seeing them I dont mind. I was whining...I know it. I know how lucky I am. I have 3 beautiful kids, a great hubby, a nice(well, messy and not clean at the moment) house, the BEST job in the WORLD (I teach first grade) and many wonderful friends BUT...there are days when I just want to whine!!! I like to whine and darn it I am very good at it!!!!!! I am the Queen of whining....when I have time! I knew when I posted this that some people may get a little upset at it...Its ok. I know I am lucky. Even thought DS has many many problems we are still blessed to have him here with us. We just returned from the hospital (15 min ago) where we had more MRI scans run. The seizures have started again and we don't know why but we do know that his nerve ending are hanging in there...there are many many other people out there who are dealing with far more things then we are. I have my son for right now
...he is different but we like to think of him as an original. I am the Mom to an Angel who always smiles. Sure the smile may be a little droopy on one side and may have a little drool in the corner but it is the greatest smile in this world. DS may not be able to talk to me and sure I always wonder what his voice would sound like if he could but he laughs and he laughs and it is the greatest sound in the world! He doesnt walk much but he hugs and he hugs. He will never know the fear of having bills, getting good grades, not being cool. He does know the joy of ice cream, BARNEY and the dog licking his face. He knows Mickey and Pooh and he knows that they ARE REAL!!! He has no prejudice against anyone for the color of their skin, the amount of $ they have, the way they look etc. He loves everyone the same., with big hugs and smiles and laughter.
I know I am lucky but sometimes I just need to be reminded and I need to whine about something as little and petty as a trip to WDW. Part of the reason I love going is to see DS face there....it is truly magical.
If you read my OP and thought I was being petty...I was! I know it! I love WDW and I want to go back as many times as possible while I have my whole family here and we can go. I would go 12 times a year if we could.
I loved the idea of WDW Paris!!! That would be so wonderful. unfortunatly only DD and DH are going on this soccer trip. I am toying around with a trip to Boston to see my family with DS and little DD. I can't go to far without help so going home to see the family is probably the best vacation we can do. Once we get there there will be plenty of attention for DS. I love going home to Mom and Dads almost as much as WDW....well not really but it is still nice!!!
Thanks for all the replys it was so FUN to read them!!!!!
Dont feel sorry for me.... . Whine along with me!!! Come on it will be fun.....let it out and whine about something!!!

 

[TeresaNJ]

Dear D, L and K's Mom, thanks for making me smile. You sound like a very special person, and a great mom! Hugs to you for looking at your glass half-full in regards to your special needs son. You go right ahead and whine all you want, you certainly deserve a whining session now and then. Makes my whining seem so insignificant. Hope you get to WDW again real soon!

 

[Piglet]

Wonderful post D,L and K's Mom. I want you to know that your son is very lucky to have you for his Mom. I also have a special needs child and God gives us these kids for a reason. My DD has taught me so much!!!!!

Hugs to you !!!!!

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Thanks everyone!! Piglet congrats on the baby who is on its way!!! Babys are the best!!! Our little newbie is 2. That gives us one who is 16, 14 and 2...(she is the piece of the family we never knew we were missing )as my other daughter puts it!!!)

 

[Piglet]

Thanks D, L & K's Mom - my DD is 9 so we have quite an age gap too. Nothing like starting over!!!!!

Here's hoping we get to WDW soon!!!!!

Melinda

 

[Chattyaholic]

To the OP: Wow, what a wonderful attitude you have! I cannot even begin to imagine dealing with a special needs child on a day-to-day basis. It must be overwhelming at times, but joyful too as you stated in your post about your son hugging and smiling, etc. I don't blame you at all for feeling disappointed about your family trip to WDW having to be cancelled. I seriously doubt that any one of us here (including the couple of posters who were a bit nasty in their responses) would NOT be upset or disappointed if OUR trip had to be cancelled. You sound like a very sweet, caring mom and a very positive "glass half full" person. You have every right to come here and vent, anytime!! I'm glad to hear you are planning an alternative vacation, visiting your family will be a good thing I'm sure.