One thing I’ve been learning through this journey with my daughter is the importance of gratitude.
It’s easy to get caught up in the challenges. The therapies, the meltdowns, the questions about the future. Sometimes it feels overwhelming, and gratitude doesn’t always come naturally. But when I stop, breathe, and focus on what’s good — what’s working — everything shifts.
Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard days, but it changes the way we carry them.
I find myself being grateful for the little things:
- The smile she gives me first thing in the morning.
- The new word she tries out.
- The calm moment after a storm.
- The small but steady improvements I never want to take for granted.
When I notice those things, I feel lighter. Hope grows. My heart softens. And instead of only seeing what’s missing, I see what’s present — the love, the progress, the beauty in the small steps.
Gratitude also keeps me grounded as a parent. It reminds me that this journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about growth. It’s about connection. It’s about celebrating who our children are, not just chasing who we think they should be.
And here’s the thing — our kids feel it. Just like they pick up on our attitude, they pick up on our gratitude. When we show joy for the little wins, when we say “thank you” out loud for the progress, they feel seen and celebrated.
So today, I invite you to pause and notice: what’s one thing about your child, your family, or even yourself that you’re grateful for? Write it down. Say it out loud. Hold onto it.
Because gratitude doesn’t just change our perspective. It changes our whole experience of this journey.
If you’re walking a similar path and want a resource that uplifts, shares, and connects — I encourage you to visit HirahCares.org.
HirahCares is a community built by families, for families, dedicated to supporting children with special needs and their loved ones.
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