Raising kids with disabilities comes with its own set of challenges and reasons to be grateful. Because this is EA/TEF Awareness Month and our son was born with EA/TEF, my top ten perks of raising a child with disabilities will be slanted in that direction.

Years of experience have shown me that disability parents, whatever their child’s disability might be, have much in common. I hope these perks resonate with you, make you laugh, make you cry, and increase your gratitude.

#1: My Child Was Made by God in His Image

When I grieve the loss of my dreams for my child—a true grief to work through—the knowledge that he is exactly who God made him is a comfort for which I am always grateful.

#2: My Vocabulary Expanded

As an educator, I consider expanding my vocabulary to be a positive development. So many words entered my vocabulary after our son was born—barium swallow, GI specialist, stuckies, feeding tube, Nissen fundoplication, dilation, and more. How can I not be grateful for them?

#3: I Consider the Ability to Swallow Marvelous

Until our son was born, I thought swallowing of a normal bodily function. After he was born, I saw it as the marvel it is. And when his swallowing challenges diminished, my gratitude knew no bounds.

#4: I Appreciate Medical Advances

The EA/TEF surgery protocols have changed drastically since we became parents in 1982. From the introduction of anesthesia during newborn surgery to dainty button-feeding tubes and much more, I am grateful for today’s newborns being treated more humanely and effectively than ever before.

To read the rest of the Top Ten Perks of Raising a Child with Disabilities, visit Key Ministry’s blog for special needs parents.

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Image via Jake Muller at DisabilityisBeautiful.com