Dear special needs dad,

You are stronger than anyone knows. To have a son with special needs is so hard on a man. All men dream of the day they have their first son . . . They can’t wait to teach them how to play ball, cut wood, wrestle, get dirty, do boy stuff, play with trucks, and most importantly pass on the family name. To have a son means you get to raise a mini-me.

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But unfortunately, these things might not happen with a son with a disability. You are now forced to change your whole idea of what it means to have a son.

But because of this change in the way you have to think now, you are now a stronger better man for it. 

Let me tell you why.

Having a son with a disability helps you be more understanding of other parents with children with disabilities. You have learned how to prioritize what should be valued in your life. You get to enjoy every smile on your son’s face when he meets another milestone. You get to understand the word “patience” in a new light.

You now understand what it means to fight for everything that’s right for your son. Your heart is now bigger because you have learned how to communicate with your son without words. You are a very important puzzle piece of the family. Even though sometimes you might stand in the background, we know you are our biggest supporter.

Thank you for being that rock for your family.

Thank you for always picking us up when we are down.

Thank you for the love and support.

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Thank you for always believing in the best outcomes.

Thank you for the continued support of our crazy ideas.

You are the reason we can continue to be strong in our fight for our children. 

Behind every resilient special needs mom is an encouraging, supportive father. We thank you!

Originally published on the author’s Facebook page