Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy

Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy

One thing I’ve always hated hearing from professionals is how old Brody is cognitively. It’s not something I need to hear. So, if I can – I avoid it. After all, he is who he is – a beautiful, happy boy. His cognitive age doesn’t change that.

 

I’ve watched since his arrival 4 years ago, children close to us tick off milestones that he has yet to meet. I’ve watched the developmental delay grow wider – from 6 months to a year to a number of years. I’ve known deep down roughly where he was sitting on that age chart. And I’ve told myself age is nothing but a number.

 

But Brody’s peers that he has grown up with are now at an age where they are starting to notice he is different. A lot of things must click when you turn 4. Why is he in nappies? Why doesn’t he talk? Why does he have a wheelchair? I admit I don’t always know the right thing to say. Sometimes it catches me off guard. But the lovely thing about children is they are so accepting. They just accept Brody for who he is. They are just curious afterall – and there is nothing wrong with that.

 

Last year, Sydney entered our world – our equally beautiful daughter. Watching her grow has been just as brilliant as it has been watching Brody at her age. But the experience has admittedly been very different. Things that Brody struggled with just came so easily to her. Rolling over. Sitting up. Eating solid food. Standing up. Walking. And now – she is starting to talk.

 

I’ve been waiting for this day. I knew it was coming. I was relieved it was coming. I am so grateful for all of these neuro-typical milestones. Because I know they shouldn’t be taken for granted. But it’s oh so bitter sweet at times and a whole host of feelings have paid us a visit.


Amazement that a 15 month old child can do what she can do.

 

Relief that she doesn’t appear to have any disabilities.

 

Guilt that I feel that relief and that I notice the differences.

 

Sadness that my beautiful boy had to fight so hard to reach some of those milestones and that he may not even reach some of the ones she has met now.

 

Proudness at both of them – for being equally amazing in their own rights.

 

And then there’s that number I’ve been trying to avoid. Syd is 15 months old. And we now know that Brody isn’t.

 

Because Brody was our first child, we have never known the typical path of parenthood. And now we do. Not that the path we have taken with Brody has been any less wonderful – it has just not been as easy.

 

I’ve experienced a lot of mummy guilt over the past few years. Had I not done enough to help Brody when he was a baby? Did I not shout loud enough to our doctor about his development? But I’ve parented no differently with Sydney. In fact, as our second child, she’s had far less attention. I didn’t have the guts to go to the baby classes that had once at times reduced me to tears of sadness. Because I didn’t want to revisit those memories.

 

A child who is mentally 12-14 months old in a 4 year olds body is normal to us. But it’s difficult for others to understand when his disabilities are – at first – invisible. Because he appears to them to be a typical 4 year old boy. I suppose, apart from the occasional what ifs, this is the hardest part. When other people get it, it’s truly a real tonic.

 

I knew this moment may come. It has and now I need to let the moment pass. Concentrate on how lucky I am to have two happy and fortunately healthy children – which is of course the most important thing. I am more than aware of that as a SEND parent.

 

There’s that saying; comparison is the thief of joy. And sometimes, on really tough days it can be. It’s natural to compare in life. Of course you wish things were easier for your child and life was simpler. But that doesn’t mean that you would change a single hair on their head. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t exactly who they are meant to be. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t perfect. Because they are.

 

We’re happy. He’s happy. She’s happy. No one and nothing has stolen our joy. They are our joy. Both of them.

 

Equally amazing.

 

Equally beautiful.

 

Equally ours.

 

And equally loved.

 

 

 

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11 Comments

  1. Tylie stokes
    July 11, 2016 / 11:00 pm

    This is a beautifully written and honest account .. Would you be happy for me to use this in staff training? (I am a paediatric OT)

    • July 11, 2016 / 11:06 pm

      Thanks very much, appreciate your comment. I’d be more than happy for you to share. X

  2. July 12, 2016 / 7:08 am

    I’m really bad at comparing. Do it far too much. Partly though, it’s because in the back of my head I need to know that he is still progressing because once that stops it will be the worst news… In a way though, I’m glad that Pudding is our second child – he won’t be outpaced by a younger brother. Thanks for a lovely article.

    • July 12, 2016 / 9:09 am

      Thanks Sally. I fear the progression stopping too. I remember a paediatrician once telling us how it’s all an unknown – he’ll either keep progressing and catch up (I know that won’t happen now), progress to a certain point and then stop or the thing we all fear – regression (that’s another blog post eh?). Can vividly remember as it was the first time someone had said my fears out loud. Lots of love to you xx

      • Collette Haughton
        July 26, 2016 / 1:24 pm

        Hi Laura, I read your article in PosAbility some weeks ago and wanted to contact you but I didn’t, I’ve just read your life experience with your little boy, I am in a position to help individuals
        like your son I will try my hardest to to move things forward to make a difference the best way I can.

        • July 27, 2016 / 4:42 pm

          Hi Collette. Thank you, that’s great and really appreciated. X

  3. lisa
    September 4, 2016 / 12:21 am

    What a great article. My 3 year old daughter is exactly the same as your Brody. She has progressed so much in the last six months, she can now stand when supported & has been seizure free for the last 18 months due to the correct meds for her at the moment, however, I do worry about a time when or if this will all stop. I’m keeping positive but ,it’s so good to know my family are not the only ones xx

    • September 4, 2016 / 6:57 am

      Thanks Lisa ☺️ That’s great that your daughter is starting to stand and is currently seizure free. Hope she continues to progress and keep well. Xxx

  4. July 31, 2017 / 7:46 pm

    Such a beautiful story. I found you on The Mighty and I just had to visit your blog. Our journeys are so similar and so different at the same time. Thank you for making me feel a little less lonely today. <3

    • July 31, 2017 / 8:15 pm

      Thanks so much, so kind of you. I love meeting others that “get it”. Fellow tribe members. You can’t beat it.xx

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