Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I Like Chocolate With Peanut Butter Frosting

Friends who run marathons are celebrated with trophies and medals.
Friends who perform in theater troupes get flowers.
Friends who get books published are given lots of accolades.
 
Well, girlfriend, I saw you clean that J-tube like it was nothing,...you who were so afraid of blood! I've seen you navigate a two hour tantrum without losing your cool. I've noted your grace when people act like your child doesn't exist because they don't know what to say. I've seen you run ragged chasing your child who moves like a tornado. I've witnessed you truly see my child, even when your own child(ren)have so many needs.  
 
The feats special needs parents perform require more endurance than a marathon. More spontaneity than the best actor, more discipline than the most dedicated writer.
 
If you can swing it, bake (or pick up) a cake for your favorite special needs parent today. Of course find out about any possible food restrictions in the family first.
 
It won't take away all their troubles, but it will make their day. 
 
It would say, I see you. I acknowledge the amazing dedication, resilience, and courage you bring to the game every day.  
 
If I could, I'd bake all of you a cake.
What's your favorite flavor?
 

 

Michelle O’Neil has contributed to A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Autism, and Special Gifts: Women Writers on the Heartache, the Happiness and the Hope of Raising a Special Needs Child. She has written for Literary Mama, The Imperfect ParentAge of Autism, Cool Cleveland and Sensory Integration Special Interest Section (SISIS) Quarterly Newsletter, a professional publication for occupational therapists. She blogged for years at Fullsoulahead.com.

 

10 comments:

  1. I'll take a piece of that one you have here. Thank you.

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  2. Chocolate with a chocolate ganache. Yes I'd like chocolate on top of chocolate, this month has hardly been a piece of cake!

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  3. No peanut butter for me. I'm not too in love with it. My CJ on the other hand loves peanut butter....and jelly. Well, that is until he began his protest because we were sending it too often to school. The teacher wrote us to say he's tired of it.
    Michelle

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  4. As if I need a reason for cake! Next time I bake one I will bake 2 and spread the joy with someone!

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  5. what a fantastic idea! making one for a friend now tomorrow (and one for me too!!) I'll take anything with chocolate.

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  6. German chocolate with coconut/pecan frosting, please!

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  7. It was as though the cake materialized from just your words. Now that's baking!
    (Mine was gluten-free lemon.)

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