Last night was another late evening spent in therapy sessions for Jayden. I am floored by his progress. Typically, Jayden's right hand remains in the "fencing" position. If you look at pictures of him, you can see it. He doesn't use his right hand and for about 4 years myself and his many doctors and therapists have been trying to get him to use his arm as an assist, if not 100%. Until yesterday, literally, it didn't look good for him. All of the prompting in the world couldn't get him to extend, or even acknowledge his right arm.
During therapy yesterday, a health care equipment repairer (yes, this a real occupation, much like a mechanic, but for wheelchairs and such) made adjustments to his chair. His physical therapist noticed that while he was making deliberate movements with his left hand (movements that were geared toward escaping and evading the evil wheelchair), his right was involuntarily moving as well. Believe it or not, this is considered progress. A few minutes later, he grasped his right arm with his left. (He has done this in the past, but seemed to always regard his arm as a random, curious object apart from his body, this is the first he ever seemed to grasp it with purpose). About 30 minutes after that, while the therapist was working with him, she and I were talking, and not actively paying attention to Jayden. Lo and behold, he reached his right arm toward something shiny on his wheelchair tray. His arm was almost fully extended! We were able to coax him into this wonderful extension about five times after that.
When his occupational therapist arrived, he of course wouldn't extend his arm if it meant saving the world. That is, until she and I pretended not to acknoweledge him. Then, suddenly, there it was again, extension, a deviation from his "fencing" position. I could barely contain my excitement! Most parents get to witness first steps, first words, etc. Moments like these are the milestones I record and remember for Jayden.
When Jayden was initially diagnosed with cerebral palsy, he prognosis was bleak. Most of the doctorsthat evaluated him didn't seem hopeful about his future, and his ability to become independant.
The thing with cerebral palsy though, is that it doesn't get worse over time. Either you stay the same, or improve. Jayden has been improving monumentally since he started treatment at Fitzgerald's Children's Therapy, here in Fayette-Nam. Despite my general feelings toward Fayetteville (not positive ones), I'd be a fool not to admit that the medical facilities in this area are outstanding.
I think also, Jayden is becoming more cognizant, which motivates him to progress. He sees what other people around him are able to do, and he wants to do it too. Continued therapy, Botox treatments (yes you read that right) and the activities that I do at home with him serve to strengthen his neurological pathways and increase the traffic that runs between his brain and his body. The traffic makes the signals the brain sends the body stronger, causing Jayden to be able to move more and more like a "normal" child. (This is the best way I can explain it, considering my lack of schooling for neuerology. I just try to repeat what doctors tell me and hope I am making sense).
The abilities of Jayden's brain seem to have always exceeded those of his body. As he progresses, this gap seems to be closing. As his mother, I pray nearly every second of the day, that one day his body will match his mind, and that both will eventually allow him to sit up, crawl, walk, talk and just do what I can tell he WANTS to do.
If this never happens, I will be ok. I don't want it for myself, I want it for Jayden. No matter what he accomplishes, I want him to always maintain his spirit, his happiness. If his continued development makes him happy, Mom will be happy too!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Government Agencies.... SUCK
Before I begin, and delve into the title subject, let me just say... "how 'bout that rapture?" The good news, Jayden, NV, my other loved ones and I are fine. Bad news, no skipping out of work next week! Why can't these fanatics predict the world's end during the week? Then maybe I could get out of work for spiritual reasons!
Rature aside, I have FINALLY been to DSS to apply for respite care for Jayden. I applied via phone WAYYYY back last year, but was never able to go in person to apply, being that my work never allowd me to do anything that wasn't a medical necessity during work hours. And of course, government agencies are not exactly open when I'm not working. Far be it for them to work a moment past 1700 or on a weekend. You have a better chance of running into Biggie, Tupac and Elvis at your local Wal Mart.
I have found a pattern in government agencies (military aside). There is ALWAYS a long ass wait. The employees are consistently rude, and seemingly uneducated. I say seemingly because maybe they all hold a Ph.D. in what the hell ever, and I just don't know, but I doubt it. The DMV, the post office, social services, and social security office are all the same, they just officer different services. Sometimes they don't even do that.
I'm not mad at the employees for determining that I make "too much" money to receive any sort of assistance. (I have been denied SSI for Jayden in three different states). I realize that idiotic decision is out of their hands. What I am mad about is how they seem to think I can just show up whenever THEY think it's a good time to show up. Trying to explain that I'm a Soldier and single parent, who can't just show up any time is as useful as teaching a chimp calculaus, if not less. Chimps are smarter I do believe. I had to go to that office THREE TIMES before I was seen.
First time I went I was told I came too late and that my application couldn't be completed. They made me an appointment for the following day. Well, on that day my unit lost a fellow Soldier. Not a good day to spend in the county line. The days following were too busy to get back there. The second day I came, I got there before 1600. I sat and waited until after 1630 before I was seen. The lady of course told me I was too late to complete the process. Who cares that THEY kept me waiting??
When I FINALLY came Friday morning, I was able to complete the application. The process was so long an aggravating, I actually WANTED to be back at work. That NEVER happens. I know the lady had to ask me alot of questions to get through the application process. That didn't bother me. What bothered me was her impatience. Any time she asked me a question that took me more than a milli second to answer, she would sigh in exahasperation. So, let me get this straight, I had to go to this dreadful place THREE TIMES, and SHE was the impatient one?
Now that the hardest portion of the application process is over, I hope I get approved for respite care. I would hate to have been in that office THREE TIMES for no reason.
Rature aside, I have FINALLY been to DSS to apply for respite care for Jayden. I applied via phone WAYYYY back last year, but was never able to go in person to apply, being that my work never allowd me to do anything that wasn't a medical necessity during work hours. And of course, government agencies are not exactly open when I'm not working. Far be it for them to work a moment past 1700 or on a weekend. You have a better chance of running into Biggie, Tupac and Elvis at your local Wal Mart.
I have found a pattern in government agencies (military aside). There is ALWAYS a long ass wait. The employees are consistently rude, and seemingly uneducated. I say seemingly because maybe they all hold a Ph.D. in what the hell ever, and I just don't know, but I doubt it. The DMV, the post office, social services, and social security office are all the same, they just officer different services. Sometimes they don't even do that.
I'm not mad at the employees for determining that I make "too much" money to receive any sort of assistance. (I have been denied SSI for Jayden in three different states). I realize that idiotic decision is out of their hands. What I am mad about is how they seem to think I can just show up whenever THEY think it's a good time to show up. Trying to explain that I'm a Soldier and single parent, who can't just show up any time is as useful as teaching a chimp calculaus, if not less. Chimps are smarter I do believe. I had to go to that office THREE TIMES before I was seen.
First time I went I was told I came too late and that my application couldn't be completed. They made me an appointment for the following day. Well, on that day my unit lost a fellow Soldier. Not a good day to spend in the county line. The days following were too busy to get back there. The second day I came, I got there before 1600. I sat and waited until after 1630 before I was seen. The lady of course told me I was too late to complete the process. Who cares that THEY kept me waiting??
When I FINALLY came Friday morning, I was able to complete the application. The process was so long an aggravating, I actually WANTED to be back at work. That NEVER happens. I know the lady had to ask me alot of questions to get through the application process. That didn't bother me. What bothered me was her impatience. Any time she asked me a question that took me more than a milli second to answer, she would sigh in exahasperation. So, let me get this straight, I had to go to this dreadful place THREE TIMES, and SHE was the impatient one?
Now that the hardest portion of the application process is over, I hope I get approved for respite care. I would hate to have been in that office THREE TIMES for no reason.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Spirit Week!
It's Spirit Week at Jayden's school. I was never sure of what that meant when I was in school, and I can't say I'm sure now. I get it, you do stuff to show your school spirit. But I HATED school! How could I have spirit? Couldn't they just let the cheerleaders handle that?
All I knew was that during spirit week, you wore weird clothes, or school colors. It was never really exciting for me, being that I dressed pretty "weird" back in high school anyway. I didn't attend a uniform school. In fact, to my recollection, there wasn't even a dress code, so there was no excitement about deviating from the rules. Wearing a uniform would have been my "weird" zone. Ironically enough, I wear one now lol.
Yesterday was college jersey day. I sent him to the baby sitter with a UNC TARHEELS (That's right, I love the 'HEELS!!! Are you reading this Crystal? lol) jersey and some uniform pants. Silly me! I forgot to tell his baby sitter that it was spirit week, so she thought I forgot to pack his uniform. *FACE PALM.*
Today was "Wild out Wednesday." So, I grabbed some texturizer, spiked up his hair and packed a Marvel comics outfit. Granted, that might not be "wild" but I'll be damned if I send my angel in public wearing stripes, plaid and mismatched socks. Never that!
A few hours into my day, my phone rings. Private number. I let it roll over to voicemail. When I listened to my voicemail, I knew it was his school, before the Sprint lady's recording could even finish saying "one new message from phone number..." What I didn't know was that his teacher was going to leave me a message explaining to me that Jayden was out of uniform and must be in uniform every day. Ok lady, this is his second his year at this school and his second uniform violation. The first one was last year, when I sent him to school in a suit for pictures. I won that war, though, because I PAID for the pictures. Therefore, Jayden could wear WHATEVER I felt he'd be cutest in.
I called the school back, after listening to the obnoxious voicemail from his teacher. I was worried that maybe I'd had my dates confused and didn't sent him in his "spirit" clothes on the wrong week. As luck would have it, I was NOT wrong.
Am I wrong to be concerned that his own teacher was clueless about spirit week? Indeed, she was so clueless she called me to inform me of his "violation." Call me biased, but I don't see why the dress code should apply to Jayden anyway. He's in a WHEELCHAIR for goodness sake. It's not like he has gang affiliations.
This whole ordeal, although quite minuscule, made me think about schools with dress codes and self expression. As a teenager, I would have fought vicisously if my school had enforced uniforms. However, looking back at some of my old pictures, I wonder if a uniform would have helped. Self expressive, I was. Fashionable, I was definately NOT. Uniforms would have led to much less embarrassing school pictures. But would those pictures have been as FUN?
All I knew was that during spirit week, you wore weird clothes, or school colors. It was never really exciting for me, being that I dressed pretty "weird" back in high school anyway. I didn't attend a uniform school. In fact, to my recollection, there wasn't even a dress code, so there was no excitement about deviating from the rules. Wearing a uniform would have been my "weird" zone. Ironically enough, I wear one now lol.
Yesterday was college jersey day. I sent him to the baby sitter with a UNC TARHEELS (That's right, I love the 'HEELS!!! Are you reading this Crystal? lol) jersey and some uniform pants. Silly me! I forgot to tell his baby sitter that it was spirit week, so she thought I forgot to pack his uniform. *FACE PALM.*
Today was "Wild out Wednesday." So, I grabbed some texturizer, spiked up his hair and packed a Marvel comics outfit. Granted, that might not be "wild" but I'll be damned if I send my angel in public wearing stripes, plaid and mismatched socks. Never that!
A few hours into my day, my phone rings. Private number. I let it roll over to voicemail. When I listened to my voicemail, I knew it was his school, before the Sprint lady's recording could even finish saying "one new message from phone number..." What I didn't know was that his teacher was going to leave me a message explaining to me that Jayden was out of uniform and must be in uniform every day. Ok lady, this is his second his year at this school and his second uniform violation. The first one was last year, when I sent him to school in a suit for pictures. I won that war, though, because I PAID for the pictures. Therefore, Jayden could wear WHATEVER I felt he'd be cutest in.
I called the school back, after listening to the obnoxious voicemail from his teacher. I was worried that maybe I'd had my dates confused and didn't sent him in his "spirit" clothes on the wrong week. As luck would have it, I was NOT wrong.
Am I wrong to be concerned that his own teacher was clueless about spirit week? Indeed, she was so clueless she called me to inform me of his "violation." Call me biased, but I don't see why the dress code should apply to Jayden anyway. He's in a WHEELCHAIR for goodness sake. It's not like he has gang affiliations.
This whole ordeal, although quite minuscule, made me think about schools with dress codes and self expression. As a teenager, I would have fought vicisously if my school had enforced uniforms. However, looking back at some of my old pictures, I wonder if a uniform would have helped. Self expressive, I was. Fashionable, I was definately NOT. Uniforms would have led to much less embarrassing school pictures. But would those pictures have been as FUN?
 |
| This is actually one of my better outfit pics from back in the day lol. |
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| And this one was just... WTF lol |
Monday, May 16, 2011
It takes an Army to raise an Army Child.
Every Monday, I leave work around 1430 to pick Jayden up from school and take him to his physical and occupational therapy, and speech pathology sessions. I'd like to take this moment to point out the occupational therapy has nothing to do with one's occupation. Clearly, my seven year old child doesn't hold a career just yet. It is a form of therapy specific to upper body rehabilitation. I apologize if I have insulted anyone's intelligence, but I have explained to this perfectly intelligent people in the past. Physical and occupational therapy can work together to enhance the abilities of the patient, but they are not one in the same.
Moving right along, while work ends early, my day does not. Jayden receives an hour of physical therapy, followed by an hour of occupational therapy, then speech pathology. His sessions end at 1830, after which I drive about 30 minutes to get home, make dinner and ready myself and Jayden for the next day. The long hours don't bother me, because I know they are a means to an end. The more these professionals work with him, the better his chances of gaining independence.
His sessions tonight were quite productive. His physical therapist got him to sit up on his own, for about 3 seconds. It doesn't sound like much, but therapy is much like working out, any progress is better than no progress. He has gone from not being able to support himself at all to being able to for a few seconds. I relish every single improvement he makes and never take it for granted.
I did things slightly different this week. Instead of going home, I stopped at Kenya's, a sister in arms in the military mom institution. She has been one of my best friends since we were stationed in Germany, circa 2002. She had my Godson, Jawuan about 8 months before I had Jayden. Our kids have essentially grown up together, despite geographic seperations over the years. Now we are both at the same duty station again, able to watch each other's kids for a night out, and to air out our feelings about work, men, clothes, etc.
Being at her place, watching our kids play, made me think about how much easier it is to be a single parent when you have an outstanding support group. No one in this support group can be the child's other parent, but they sure can assist you with things such as cooking, cleaning, and of course, baby sitting.
Back in Germany, we were blessed with no shortage of Army wives who were happy to watch our kids on a weekend, or during a field exercise, along with the many friends we had within our units. When I first arrived to Fort Bragg, Kenya was deployed and Jawuan was staying with another friend of hers. As often as possible, I'd pick Jawuan up so she could spend quality time with her own kids, and so Jayden and Jawuan could play together. Shortly after Kenya's return home, our friend Lora joined us. In about two weeks she too will join the ranks of military mom. I can't say enough how happy I am that we are all in one place again, save for Veronica, who's wasting time in Washington (sorry guey lol) and Erika, stationed in Georgia. They too are Army Moms.
I don't think I realized what a hard time I was having balancing work, parenting and socializing until these ladies ended up here. I rarely ask them to watch Jayden, though I'll admit they definately watch him more than I watch Jawuan (I don't babysit lol) but just knowing I can call on them provides immeasurable comfort. And despite my non babysitting rule, they know they can call on me too, even if they only do so as a last resort. I am always willing, despite my arguments and dramatics any time I'm asked lol.
Only a Military Mom can relate to the struggles being in the military can present to parenting. On a more broad spectrum, we may be able to relate to a Working Mom, but these moms aren't typically in a position where they have to be prepared to leave their child's life in someone else's hands while they answer the call of duty. I'm not undermining these women, as it takes incredible strength to be a mother, no matter what setting you're in. I'm sure they have struggles too, that I'd never understand.
Despite some of the turmoil that's simply par for the course in the Army, I'm grateful to be a parent in this organization. The friendships formed in the military are as close to family as one can get without sharing D.N.A. I'm thankful for my Army family and I wouldn't trade them for anything! Thank you, Family :)
Moving right along, while work ends early, my day does not. Jayden receives an hour of physical therapy, followed by an hour of occupational therapy, then speech pathology. His sessions end at 1830, after which I drive about 30 minutes to get home, make dinner and ready myself and Jayden for the next day. The long hours don't bother me, because I know they are a means to an end. The more these professionals work with him, the better his chances of gaining independence.
His sessions tonight were quite productive. His physical therapist got him to sit up on his own, for about 3 seconds. It doesn't sound like much, but therapy is much like working out, any progress is better than no progress. He has gone from not being able to support himself at all to being able to for a few seconds. I relish every single improvement he makes and never take it for granted.
I did things slightly different this week. Instead of going home, I stopped at Kenya's, a sister in arms in the military mom institution. She has been one of my best friends since we were stationed in Germany, circa 2002. She had my Godson, Jawuan about 8 months before I had Jayden. Our kids have essentially grown up together, despite geographic seperations over the years. Now we are both at the same duty station again, able to watch each other's kids for a night out, and to air out our feelings about work, men, clothes, etc.
Being at her place, watching our kids play, made me think about how much easier it is to be a single parent when you have an outstanding support group. No one in this support group can be the child's other parent, but they sure can assist you with things such as cooking, cleaning, and of course, baby sitting.
Back in Germany, we were blessed with no shortage of Army wives who were happy to watch our kids on a weekend, or during a field exercise, along with the many friends we had within our units. When I first arrived to Fort Bragg, Kenya was deployed and Jawuan was staying with another friend of hers. As often as possible, I'd pick Jawuan up so she could spend quality time with her own kids, and so Jayden and Jawuan could play together. Shortly after Kenya's return home, our friend Lora joined us. In about two weeks she too will join the ranks of military mom. I can't say enough how happy I am that we are all in one place again, save for Veronica, who's wasting time in Washington (sorry guey lol) and Erika, stationed in Georgia. They too are Army Moms.
I don't think I realized what a hard time I was having balancing work, parenting and socializing until these ladies ended up here. I rarely ask them to watch Jayden, though I'll admit they definately watch him more than I watch Jawuan (I don't babysit lol) but just knowing I can call on them provides immeasurable comfort. And despite my non babysitting rule, they know they can call on me too, even if they only do so as a last resort. I am always willing, despite my arguments and dramatics any time I'm asked lol.
Only a Military Mom can relate to the struggles being in the military can present to parenting. On a more broad spectrum, we may be able to relate to a Working Mom, but these moms aren't typically in a position where they have to be prepared to leave their child's life in someone else's hands while they answer the call of duty. I'm not undermining these women, as it takes incredible strength to be a mother, no matter what setting you're in. I'm sure they have struggles too, that I'd never understand.
Despite some of the turmoil that's simply par for the course in the Army, I'm grateful to be a parent in this organization. The friendships formed in the military are as close to family as one can get without sharing D.N.A. I'm thankful for my Army family and I wouldn't trade them for anything! Thank you, Family :)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Lazy Weekend... Lazy Mom...
I definately didn't do much worth talking (or blogging) about this weekend. That's not stoppng me from sharing my "weekend about nothing" with everyone though!
This weekend was NV's weekend with his two daughters. I love these weekends because I don't want more kids, but I love having girls to do hair and nails with. Jayden loves the girls as well, which makes the time we spend with them that much better.
With the rain cancelling our plans to go to the zoo, we stayed at NV's mother's house, instead of mine. In place of the zoo, Saturdy afternoon was spent watching Rio at the movie theater. I must admit I may have enjoyed the movie more than the kids. My son laughed throughout the movie. There are many scenes that involve falling down, or bumping into things. Since my son is similar to the little boy on Big Daddy, with Adam Sandler, he thoroughly enjoyed the movie. When Jayden's happy, I'm happy.
Aside from the movie, I basically lounged around the house like a hibernating bear. Rainy days tend to have that effect on me. I did get to spend some time working on my blogs though, which is always a plus.
Despite my lack of activity, I'm tired. When we stay at NV's parents', Jayden and I sleep in the same room. I don't mind this, usually. However, when he decides that the day should begin at 5am, it makes for a rough day. Jayden almost always wakes up in a cheerful mood, which I'm thankful for. Thankful or not, I was AWAKE, and have been since 5am.
"Why don't you go to sleep now?" One might ask. Because I drank coffee all day today and now I'm wide awake. Lord willing, working on this post will help me sleep. On the other hand, I hope it doesn't put any of my readers to sleep lol.
My lack of activity ended up creating an abundace of self reflection this weekend. It was pointed out that I'm often times defensive and combative. This has never been a secret to me, but it never dawned on me that maybe this is a behavior that should be changed. I wouldn't say I agree with completely giving these mannerisms up. Since I'm a female in the Army, I have to fight to prove myself, and I'm raising a disabled child, so I have to fight to get what he needs. In settings like this, defensiveness and combative-ness serve me well. In interacting with other people, not so much. With that being said, I've decided to try and change these traits in a way that benefits me when circumstances call for it, but to not take these stances instantly every time I think someone is saying something negative to me. (After all, they usually aren't. Critisism and negativity are not the same thing). For those readers that know me, please don't seek me out tomorrow expecting these changes to have already taken effect. It doesn't work that way.
On a lighter note, I'm looking forward to the week ahead, even the work portion of it. I'd by lying if I said I loved every minute of my job. Most people would be. I do however, love the experiences I've gained in the military, and the friends I've made. Thanks to the Army, I have traveled the world, and participated in a war that future generations will read about in history books years from now. There isn't single material item that I'd trade my experiences, my Army family, or most of all... my son for. No matter how bad my day has been, it all goes away when I pick him up from daycare. I was a Soldier before I was a mother, but long after I sign my DD 214 (discharge document), I'll still be Jayden's mother. THAT can never change, and I'd never want it to.
This weekend was NV's weekend with his two daughters. I love these weekends because I don't want more kids, but I love having girls to do hair and nails with. Jayden loves the girls as well, which makes the time we spend with them that much better.
With the rain cancelling our plans to go to the zoo, we stayed at NV's mother's house, instead of mine. In place of the zoo, Saturdy afternoon was spent watching Rio at the movie theater. I must admit I may have enjoyed the movie more than the kids. My son laughed throughout the movie. There are many scenes that involve falling down, or bumping into things. Since my son is similar to the little boy on Big Daddy, with Adam Sandler, he thoroughly enjoyed the movie. When Jayden's happy, I'm happy.
Aside from the movie, I basically lounged around the house like a hibernating bear. Rainy days tend to have that effect on me. I did get to spend some time working on my blogs though, which is always a plus.
Despite my lack of activity, I'm tired. When we stay at NV's parents', Jayden and I sleep in the same room. I don't mind this, usually. However, when he decides that the day should begin at 5am, it makes for a rough day. Jayden almost always wakes up in a cheerful mood, which I'm thankful for. Thankful or not, I was AWAKE, and have been since 5am.
"Why don't you go to sleep now?" One might ask. Because I drank coffee all day today and now I'm wide awake. Lord willing, working on this post will help me sleep. On the other hand, I hope it doesn't put any of my readers to sleep lol.
My lack of activity ended up creating an abundace of self reflection this weekend. It was pointed out that I'm often times defensive and combative. This has never been a secret to me, but it never dawned on me that maybe this is a behavior that should be changed. I wouldn't say I agree with completely giving these mannerisms up. Since I'm a female in the Army, I have to fight to prove myself, and I'm raising a disabled child, so I have to fight to get what he needs. In settings like this, defensiveness and combative-ness serve me well. In interacting with other people, not so much. With that being said, I've decided to try and change these traits in a way that benefits me when circumstances call for it, but to not take these stances instantly every time I think someone is saying something negative to me. (After all, they usually aren't. Critisism and negativity are not the same thing). For those readers that know me, please don't seek me out tomorrow expecting these changes to have already taken effect. It doesn't work that way.
On a lighter note, I'm looking forward to the week ahead, even the work portion of it. I'd by lying if I said I loved every minute of my job. Most people would be. I do however, love the experiences I've gained in the military, and the friends I've made. Thanks to the Army, I have traveled the world, and participated in a war that future generations will read about in history books years from now. There isn't single material item that I'd trade my experiences, my Army family, or most of all... my son for. No matter how bad my day has been, it all goes away when I pick him up from daycare. I was a Soldier before I was a mother, but long after I sign my DD 214 (discharge document), I'll still be Jayden's mother. THAT can never change, and I'd never want it to.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
I am Jayden's Mom
Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Rebecca and I'm raising my son, Jayden essentially on my own. There are many single parents, but sometimes it seems as though people are in disbelief that I could have a child without the help of a husband. To these people I say, GET OUT OF THE DARK AGES! The non traditional family is quickly becoming tradtional. Embrace it.
I'm not single as far as having a significant other in my life, but I'm single by virtue of being unmarried. Even if I WAS married, my significant other works an hour away from where I work, so it's not like I can ask him to pick Jayden up from day care when I can't.
Adding to the unconventional dynamic of my family is the fact that Jayden is disabled. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of two. He is non ambulatory and non verbal. Despite his physical limitations, Jayden has the strongest, sweetest spirit imaginable. No one can encounter Jayden and not smile, because his smile is contagious. His laugh is infectious. And he laughs at nearly EVERYTHING.
Aside from being a parent, I'm a Soldier. Not a street Soldier, but an enlisted member of the United States Army. I love the military and I'm proud of what I do. I love my son and I'm proud to be is mother. Sometimes having more than one love in your life can be difficult, but sometimes life in general can be difficult. As a Soldier I "adapt and overcome." As a parent I try my hardest provide the best life I can for Jayden.
I can only hope that being a Soldier makes me a better parent, that being a parent makes me a better Soldier, and that both make me a better person.
I'm not single as far as having a significant other in my life, but I'm single by virtue of being unmarried. Even if I WAS married, my significant other works an hour away from where I work, so it's not like I can ask him to pick Jayden up from day care when I can't.
Adding to the unconventional dynamic of my family is the fact that Jayden is disabled. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of two. He is non ambulatory and non verbal. Despite his physical limitations, Jayden has the strongest, sweetest spirit imaginable. No one can encounter Jayden and not smile, because his smile is contagious. His laugh is infectious. And he laughs at nearly EVERYTHING.
Aside from being a parent, I'm a Soldier. Not a street Soldier, but an enlisted member of the United States Army. I love the military and I'm proud of what I do. I love my son and I'm proud to be is mother. Sometimes having more than one love in your life can be difficult, but sometimes life in general can be difficult. As a Soldier I "adapt and overcome." As a parent I try my hardest provide the best life I can for Jayden.
I can only hope that being a Soldier makes me a better parent, that being a parent makes me a better Soldier, and that both make me a better person.
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