What do I have in common with these people? Not much, really. Other than that we all have children and we all put our kids on display. I like to think that I'm not in the same category as these people. I'm not fake-crying on the news about my not-missing-so-much-as-hiding poor, exploited kid. I'm not making Abby get a spray tan and her teeth whitened so she can earn that big sparkly crown. I'm not giving birth to 8 kids (THANK GOD) and then talking about it all over tv with enormous, collagen injected lips. But I am writing a blog about and posting pictures of my daughter on the Web. Is it any better?
Sure I tell myself that it's my way of raising awareness about the Autism epidemic. I make efforts to keep our specific location a secret, but I know that it's not hard to figure out our general vicinity. I use caution when I choose the photos I post, not wanting to show anything too specific to our home or town. Am I exploiting my daughter? Writing this blog has been so therapeutic for me. Not only does it allow me to share our story, but I work through some of my least proud parenting moments and then am able to reflect and find the good in each experience we have.
And the most wonderful part of writing this blog is all the great feedback I get from all of you! I've made a wonderful blogger friend who I seem to have a lot in common with. And I'm increasingly blessed by the comments I get from parents of "typical" kids, because I'm reminded that parenting is the most challenging blessing we've ever been bestowed whether our kids are "special needs" or not. And all of these things are good and noble, but when I'm really honest with myself... I write this blog for me. I hope that it helps other people, but at it's root, it's all about me. So why isn't it filled with photos of myself? Am I exploiting my child for my own personal gain no matter how noble my intentions? I don't know.
So today... I'm posting a photo of myself. This is me and while I write about my daughter, Abby the Gentle Giant, this blog is all about me, me, me and my quest to be the best mom I can be. Should I be writing a blog about it?
Maybe I should only post photos like this zoomy accident of both Abby and I.
7 comments:
I love your blog. I love that it is obviously therapeutic for you. And I don't believe you are exploiting Abby or your family in any way by writing about your adventures as a family affected by the spectrum. Exploiting means doing something strictly for what ultimately becomes negative attention or for monetary gain, in my opinion, and your blog is NOT about that. It's about inspiring other families like yours, about sharing Abby's triumphs with anyone who is interested--a journal/scrapbook of sorts.And I think you should keep right on blogging!
Thank you, FG! I really do appreciate your input.
The autism world is a lot less lonely because of you -- I don't know what I'd do without "knowing" so many moms on-line through the blogs. Thanks, Erin. I appreciate you!
Thanks, Penny. That made me tear up a little. I don't know what I'd do either. XO I appreciate you, too!
i love your blog, i see your strength and how you keep ur head up even when it's difficult..No, you are not exploiting her cos this helps strengthen you to be there for her.
I do not have a child with autism but i have learnt a lot from your blog..You inspire hope..keep it alive.
Thank you, HisTreasure! I appreciate your comment and your encouragement.
Me too, me too, me too. All of it. Especially the part about gratitude for finding such a nice friendship with YOU!!
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