Parenting. is. hard.  

Period!

We all have unique struggles and challenges as we try to raise our children, but no matter what you are going through as a parent....I guarantee.... YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!  

There is someone out there who is going through similar parenting or personal struggles and there is great comfort in sharing our stories and creating a network of support and connections.  So, don't be afraid to reach out and be vulnerable.  Share your story....listen to a friend's story.  We are all in this together, and the more we talk about it, the less stigmatized these issues become.  

Just yesterday, I was reminded of the incredible feeling of connecting with others who are traveling a similar path.  When I said I would love to talk about these issues with anyone, I wasn't kidding!  ;-)

As I walked into our local small town grocery story, I ran into another mom friend that I haven't seen in a long time.  When she asked if I had a minute to talk, I actually got excited because I had a good suspicion about what she wanted to talk about.  I went to grab a coffee while she paid for her groceries and then began a long and incredible conversation about all the things we had in common that were happening with our children and families who were going through similar issues.  I can't tell you how incredible it is to be able to share your little stories and situations and have someone look at you and say, "I know exactly what you mean!"  

Well, our quick "minute" to talk turned into about 2 hours of sitting and chatting about the things that our children were going through.  It felt really good, as someone who is a little farther in the diagnosis progress, to be able to share what our experiences were and offer advice and knowledge of what we had learned so far!  I wish I had had someone to talk to years ago when I was first noticing some of these traits in my children.  Talking to my doctor was a first step....but it's not the same thing as getting the confirmation from another parent who has had similar struggles.  For years, I second guessed myself as a parent and talked myself out of having my children testing, because deep down I was scared that I would be wrong and we would have gone through the whole exhausting testing process for nothing.  Now, I greatly regret that decision and I wish I had had someone to talk to years ago that could relate.  

Well, 2 hours later, I felt fantastic and upbeat because indeed I didn't have anywhere I needed to be that evening.  I just kind of got lost in the moment of sharing stories, and time flew by as neither of us could stop talking.  I have been truly surprised with how many people have approached me and said how much they enjoy reading this blog because they can relate so much to things I am saying.  Every time I consider not doing anymore posts...someone ends up approaching me (at work, at the store, on Facebook, etc.) and I am reminded how helpful and necessary it is for us to talk about these issues.