Things I have learned from raising a son with OMA

Things I have learned from raising my son with Ocular Motor Apraxia:

1. I need to believe more in God and my son, than in his brain scan and what we have been told about it.
   
   
2. His struggles and challenges affect me (emotionally) more than they affect him. He is actually quite oblivious about them.
   
   
3. He shouldn't be protected in a bubble. If I want him to have a life similar to his brother's, then he should be allowed to experience and live like his brother.
   
   
4. When he is faced with a challenge, I must remember the many things he has overcome in the past. He has succeeded before and this time won't be any different.
   
   
5. I pay too much attention to the bad times, when in reality there is only one melt-down for every 20 giggles.
   
   
6. There are many people willing to help you. They may be family, they may be friends, they may be neither yet become both.
   
   
7. There are many people in need of help. I can be that help, and so is my son.
   
   
8. If he is ever looked down on, we will remember to look up (to God). He won't know low self-esteem as long as his heart knows he is His child, made to His image.
   
   
9. It's nice if a child knows the letters and numbers, but it's best if he knows that he is loved and cared for. He also must know that doing good things is better than doing things well.
   
   
10. Our tiny obstacles pale in comparison to what other people get to experience. If they are able to stay positive and hopeful, we must do so as well.
    
    
11. Some of the things he can't do, and some behaviors he may show, aren't triggered by his health condition, but rather because he is just a toddler, or a boy, or a human being.
    
    
12. Praying really helps. It gives me peace, it gives me hope, and it has brought me miracles.
    
    
13. There is a life purpose in each individual. My son's health condition doesn't stop him from having a life purpose, in fact, his may be extra special and I can't wait for him to grow and discover it.
    
    
14. Seeing how hard he worked to accomplish the things that for most come naturally, has made me appreciate the wonder in simple things that otherwise would have gone unnoticed.
    
    
15. I love him, not more, not less, not any different from his brother. Love sees beyond our eyes, and this is why he will always be capable of being loved by others.
    
    
16. His body (including his brain) may be affected by his health condition, but his mind and soul aren't. These are the ones that truly matter anyway.
    
    
17. Things do get better through the months and years. We are better because of all we have lived and learned. We are better because of everything I just said, and the things I can't even find the words for.