There are days when I look around and realize just how much our family is carrying — and how little support there seems to be to help hold it all.
Raising a child with special needs is already overwhelming. Add navigating service animals, school systems, therapies, and public misunderstandings — and it can feel downright isolating. When you live in a state like New Hampshire, where resources are limited and waitlists are long, that isolation can feel even heavier.
Some days, it feels like we’re expected to “just figure it out.”
But here’s the truth I want you to hear today: if you feel alone, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong — it’s because the system often fails families, highlighting the need for community support that can lift you.
The Quiet Weight Families Carry
Many families like mine are juggling more than one disability under one roof. In our home, it’s not just about supporting our child — it’s about helping my husband, too. Disabilities don’t exist in neat little boxes. They overlap. They impact routines, emotions, finances, and mental health in ways that aren’t always visible from the outside.
And yet, parents are still expected to advocate nonstop, stay organized, stay positive, and never burn out.
That’s unrealistic.
Feeling exhausted doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
How We Keep Going on the Hard Days
When support feels scarce, we’ve learned to focus on what is within our control — even if it’s small. Building simple routines can help you feel more capable and steady each day.
- We create simple routines, not perfect ones.
- We celebrate tiny wins, even when no one else sees them. Recognizing these moments can help you feel appreciated and remind you that your efforts truly matter, giving you a sense of validation.
- We ask for help where we can, even if it feels uncomfortable.e
- We give ourselves grace on the days when nothing goes as planned.
Some days, “keeping going” looks like progress. Other days, it seems like survival — and both are valid.
Why Community Matters (Even When It’s Hard to Find)
One of the biggest reasons I created Paws of Ability is that I know how lonely this journey can feel. Families shouldn’t have to piece together support on their own or feel ashamed for needing help.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds like my life,” please know this space was made for you.
You are not weak for feeling overwhelmed.
You are not alone in feeling unseen.
And you deserve support — even when it feels out of reach.
To the Parent Reading This Tonight
If today was hard, let that be enough.
If tomorrow feels overwhelming, we’ll face it together.
And if support feels scarce right now, know that community can still exist — even in small, quiet ways that you might not have considered before, helping you feel less alone.
Remember, you are doing more than you realize, and acknowledging your efforts can help you see the strength in your daily actions.
And your family matters.
