Sometimes I Forget…

Sometimes I forget that she needs me more, much more, than if she had been with us all of her life.

Sometimes I forget that her needs are different, and more, than other kids her age.

Sometimes I forget that she can’t always hear me.

Sometimes I forget that she has been with us for a very short time, compared to how long she was without us.

Sometimes I forget that even though she’s four years old, she’s not…not really.

Sometimes I forget, and think she can handle more than she really can.

Sometimes I forget that even though she looks happy, she really might be in panic mode.

Sometimes I forget that what looks like a tantrum can really be so much more.

Sometimes I forget that we are different kinds of parents than our friends.

Sometimes I forget to take time for myself, to take care of myself.

Sometimes I forget that the doctor’s visits and medical issues would be stressful to an adult…and must be traumatic to a four year old.

Sometimes, I forget where she came from.

Katie posted on her blog a couple weeks ago a quote from speaker Amy Monroe, and it has stuck with me ever since. The speaker said “there is no expiration date on compassion…if you find yourself lacking compassion for your child, then you have probably forgotten where they came from.”

Sometimes, I forget.