By: Sarah Perry Brighton
These are my three daughters. They are all college graduates. They all went to prom in high school. They all participated in extracurricular activities. They are each considered “essential workers.” Two have had serious medical health issues throughout their lives, and two are what the school system once deemed in need of special kinds of extra educational help – one because her IQ is very high.
One of them has CHARGE. Anna was born before CHARGE was even considered a true syndrome, and long before the gene was identified.
Did Anna’s birth ruin her sisters’ lives? You’d probably have to ask them (I have), but I know that I gave up the career I had outside the home to give most of my attention to trying to meet everyone else’s needs. It taxed us financially, and it taxed me in every way. I have found things to do part-time and at home throughout the years to help compensate.
Like many siblings of kids with medical issues, both of her sisters are in the medical field. Our eldest helps save lives every day. Our middle child provides empathy and kindness to those living with cancer. If they were led into these fields because of Anna’s birth, then there are also complete strangers who are alive and better off because of it.
Anna works. She is a very good, creative writer, she quilts, researches genealogy, and loves to walk and hike, and she has an amazing memory for detail. The people whose lives she touches find their day better.
I have found that each child is a special needs child. It is just a matter of trying to meet those needs and help them fly as high as they can with their own potential. And parenthood ain’t for the weak of heart!
