The Waiting Room Parents

August of 2012 started a new life for me.  My already super busy life became complicated with something else, something new, something not invited yet something that I now value.  I became a parent of a child with special needs.  When Easton was born I never thought my life would be flooded with IFSPs, service coordination, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and insurance premiums. I never thought I would be going to a clinic for my child and not a job interview... but I did and I still do.
 Every Thursday
for the past 9 months, I have gone to Children's Neurotherapy Services in Hickory. Although, I obviously go back with Easton for his appointments, I am now a waiting room mom.  Our standing appointment is 2:30.  We always arrive 10-15 minutes early and greet our friends.  Easton is now old enough to enjoy the train table and crawls/ambles over the train table to play.  During our first appointments, we smiled and looked down, and then I started talking.  I first introduced myself to the parents and grandparents as Easton's mom.  Over time they have learned that I am the mother of twins and a three year old... they also know I happen to be a pediatric speech pathologist.  I even met another runner, who is inspiring to me...as most runners are.  I have become friends with these parents and we even miss each other when someone is missing.  We ask each other
"Have you seen ....? I hope she is okay."  We laugh about stupid things and comment on the yadayada epidemic at whatever school.  One parent even told me that some random day of the week's children are not nearly as cute as Thursday's children - but I think she was just being funny.  But as no surprise, I still laughed inappropriately. I've learned about the King's Mountain Half Marathon, Florida's weather, speech language pathology assistant school, autism, vaccines, grandchildren, and so much more. I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything.  This week, I did not recognize any of the parents, which made me slightly sad.  The "mother" who was there was actually a "grandmother" was amazed that Easton was receiving PT because her granddaughter who was 5 months older, is not nearly climbing as well as Easton.  "Well," I told her, "our PT is outstanding!" I have taken so much from this opportunity to be in a waiting room meeting other parents, and believe me, you cannot learn this stuff in school.  You cannot meet people who understand you better, encourage you more, or want the best for your child.  These are the folks who know what it is like to be me (and Terrence).  We are so blessed to have met all the other waiting room parents and I hope they feel the same toward us.  I will never forget all you have done for us!  See you all on Thursday!