Rhythm of the Spirit

When a parent is anticipating the birth of a child, he or she usually has feelings of love and elation. I think every parent expects to have a normal birth either in the hospital or at home.The parents expect to greet the happy smiling face of the new life they helped to create. I do not think any parent allows himself or herself to think the unthinkable-having a child born with severe developmental issues. Parents need to go through a process of grieving and healing as they say goodbye to all their pre-conceived ideas of how their baby will be or look or act. Not only is this grieving necessary for the emotional well-being of the parents, but it is also necessary for the child in question. A child born with special needs is counting on the love and support of his or her parents, family, and friends in order to become the most independent and productive individual he or she can be in society.