NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF PARENTING A DISABLED CHILD

Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee

I am a lawyer, wife, and mother of three  children, including one with significant disabilities. I graduated from BU Law School in 2006 and spent more than a decade practicing law.

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When my daughter was born in 2017, my legal career came to a temporary halt as our family began the long, slow healing process from a traumatic birth that left my daughter severely disabled. After nearly 6 weeks in the NICU, we brought our daughter home and began the journey of parenting a disabled child in Massachusetts. As my daughter's disabilities were unexpected, we were woefully unprepared for our journey and had no idea what the future would hold. I knew I had to do everything possible to give my daughter as many opportunities as possible to develop her potential, whatever that would look like. I had no idea where to start or what to do. To say I was overwhelmed would be the biggest understatement of my life. I just put one foot in front of the other. I have learned a lot along the way, but I have so much more to learn. I learn new things every day and for that I am grateful.

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My daughter is now 3 years old. She has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. She has an amazing sense of humor, loves people, and knows her numbers, shapes, colors, and many words. She is non-verbal and non-mobile and cannot sit or stand without support. She is the hardest worker I know and dedicates herself fully to her frequent therapy sessions. She communicates using eye gaze, vocalization, and facial expressions. She eats via G tube. She is a wonderful big sister to her 18 month old twin brothers. Our life is hectic and full of ups and downs, but we are grateful for each other, and for our incredibly supportive network of friends, family, and therapists. It can be overwhelming at times. We continue to work hard and put one foot in front of the other. We are excited to see what the future holds.