Every child is a gift, but those of you who are parenting a special needs child, know that the gifts, the joy, and the challenges are multiplied. These extraordinary little souls have been brought here to teach us and all of humanity, the power of strength, the definition of patience, the meaning of compassion, the essence of unconditional love, the lesson of perseverance and the joy of triumphing.

After years of working as a pediatric occupational therapist God blessed me with two extraordinary special needs children of my own. My precious son was born two months premature and later developed a significant auditory processing disorder. My extraordinary daughter was born with a genetic disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome that causes frequent dislocations of every joint in her body, rapid blood sugar fluctuations, digestive problems and academic challenges.

Countless visits to traditional and holistic doctors, therapy, tutoring and special academic programming allowed them to grow through their challenges. But, what I feel was the most therapeutic was embracing their unique gifts and loving them unconditionally. This gave them the foundation to develop to their unique God given potential. Additionally, my children's indomitable spirits helped them to develop an amazing capacity to triumph.

Every parent is proud of their children's accomplishments, but when a child with special needs succeeds the joy is exponentially increased. This week as I sat in my children's award ceremonies my heart overflowed with happiness.

My daughter, who at one point in time was dislocating six times a day, needed to use a wheelchair, and was told by a doctor that there was nothing that could help her, was one of only 3 children to receive the highest honor for physical fitness, The Presidential Fitness award.

My son who struggled academically for years and needed a full time program for learning disabilities in elementary school, made Principal's Honor Role and high academic honors without any modifications in a regular middle school setting. Everyone in our family beamed knowing that their hard work and faith assisted them in achieving success.

We can learn so much from our children. Find a quiet moment and take several deep breathes. Ask your highest self what lesson your child has brought into your life. See their pure essence. See the role you have in their growth and the role they have in yours. When I first did this I realized that my children had shown me the perfection in what society deems as imperfect.

My children and every special needs child that has crossed my path has exemplified the power of possibilities, the hope of unlimited potential and the joy of overcoming.

May you learn from your children, may you help them reach their highest potential and may every child realize their God given potential.

— — —

Debbie Milam is the co-creator of "Empowering Our Children: Creating Connected Families, Classrooms, and Communities " . She is an occupational therapist and life coach whose work has been featured in over 300 media outlets including The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, PBS and The Hallmark Channel. Visit her website for more books and resources to help you be a highly effective parent. Visit her online at www.bestyoucanbe.org and sign up for her newsletter to receive your special report, "Creating Peace Within Yourself and Your Family." © Copyright 2008 Debbie Milam.

— — —

UPI Religion & Spirituality Forum is a big tent for all expressions

of faith and spirituality, neither excluding nor favoring any.

All opinions expressed belong to the writer alone, and are not necessarily shared by UPI Religion & Spirituality Forum.