I have to tell you all that sometimes I just do not know what to think...Really all this stuff about Williams in the 
media lately gets you thinking....It is really so one sided... 
I would like to think that Tatum is going to be just fine, no learning issues no social issues just one of the kids...But I can't help but wonder how it is going to be when our little sunshine is older. I am sure she is not going to be the center of attention forever. The big kids still play with Emma but it is different she thinks that she is the same age... she is actually able to participate in the games they play and enjoy herself. I am not sure if Tatum is going ot be able to hold her own withte big kids when she is 4.
media lately gets you thinking....It is really so one sided... 
I would like to think that Tatum is going to be just fine, no learning issues no social issues just one of the kids...But I can't help but wonder how it is going to be when our little sunshine is older. I am sure she is not going to be the center of attention forever. The big kids still play with Emma but it is different she thinks that she is the same age... she is actually able to participate in the games they play and enjoy herself. I am not sure if Tatum is going ot be able to hold her own withte big kids when she is 4.The young adults that I have recently seen in video clips are great but really are they a good comparison to the kids of the future. These babies are going to be from a era that has no concept of life without the Internet...I think that alone is going to in able our children to have closer friends and become a bit more worldly but just how worldly is the Williams going to let them be. Well people always include her? Is there a point where she'll just become the "little retarded girl"?
I know that she is going to have there problems fitting in but nothing like 10yrs ago when there really weren't as many special kids running around in public.
I am at a weird place right now, people do not even know there is anything wrong with Tatum unless I tell them. She can not walk but as far a development goes that is the biggest thing that is setting her back from others her age...She can do most everything else a bit slower but she does it and on top of that she is way easier going and happier then most kids her age.
We go to the pool every chance we get and all the lifeguards know her, I barley see her when I am there
between the big kids running around with her and the off duty guard stealing her. I often wonder how it is going to be next summer when she is not the "baby" anymore. She is loved on by everyone and if she is just entertaining herself people I do not even now stop to 
comment on her hair or how cute and happy she is. Emma is and was cute too but with all the attention she receives it is nothing compared to Tatum. Tate entertains everyone.
It is not just the pool it is everywhere. Tatum stops traffic where ever she is, even at the
Carnival stuck to my back, she just hangs out and loves people....everyone around stranger or n
ot get a huge smile. It is hard for me to imagine how someday things are going to change, I really do not even want to think about it. I know she'll always be happy and carefree I just wonder if I well too. I have read that the saddest thing about WS is that the kids are smart enough to know there different but just don't get why or how...Funny the interviews do not mention that. They all lead you to believe that these kids feel no emotion but joy...They are real people and I know she'll hurt too and so well I, How can I prevent this? She does not deserve the type of people the future has in store for her and there is nothing I can do...Wow so who is sad now... Am I even making sense or what? It is pretty late...
between the big kids running around with her and the off duty guard stealing her. I often wonder how it is going to be next summer when she is not the "baby" anymore. She is loved on by everyone and if she is just entertaining herself people I do not even now stop to 
comment on her hair or how cute and happy she is. Emma is and was cute too but with all the attention she receives it is nothing compared to Tatum. Tate entertains everyone.It is not just the pool it is everywhere. Tatum stops traffic where ever she is, even at the
Carnival stuck to my back, she just hangs out and loves people....everyone around stranger or n
ot get a huge smile. It is hard for me to imagine how someday things are going to change, I really do not even want to think about it. I know she'll always be happy and carefree I just wonder if I well too. I have read that the saddest thing about WS is that the kids are smart enough to know there different but just don't get why or how...Funny the interviews do not mention that. They all lead you to believe that these kids feel no emotion but joy...They are real people and I know she'll hurt too and so well I, How can I prevent this? She does not deserve the type of people the future has in store for her and there is nothing I can do...Wow so who is sad now... Am I even making sense or what? It is pretty late...
12 comments:
Oh Lisa :(
somedays it is all just so overwhelming.
stereotypes huh... the "joy" gene, the crazy uncontrollable children driving teachers from their schools. In my opinion...
These kids have alot to deal with, their tendencies to feel emotions 3 fold are both such a blessing and such a hinderence. I guess all we can do is love them unconditionally and give them the best we can. Same as any other parent with any other child...
xxoo
BTW - i think u can delete comments...
I agree with what you have written it is hard to figure out were Tate's place in this world will be. Abi still has the ability to charm a room and get everyone attention but everyone thinks she is 2 not almost 5. There are still people who don't know there is anything going on with her but those are the ones who don't know her age. I have seen the gap get bigger and smaller again and again. I think that will happen all of her life. She will get new skills and then the bar get raised and she falls behind.
There is not much I can add that the other ladies haven't said. It's a hell of a ride, ain't it? There are ups and downs, and it's really scary preparing your kid to enter the public schools knowing how hard it will be. Erik seems to think it's a great adventure, and he is a great role model for me. I just wish it will be easier for him.
Katie, your a trip...who is that dude???? You know it is bad when they have to start the comment with this is not spam...LOL
Well Lisa, all I can say is that we are all working our way through this maze. I think just taking one day at a time is the best way to go. I can get really hung up on worrying about the future, but the future is uncertain for all of us not just them. She will have people close to her who understand her and she will feel loved. All the rest of the jerks don't really matter much. She will probably feel hurt sometimes, but we all do. You will be there for her and so will everyone who has grown to love her. And hey! she is in good company. She will always have friends to talk to. Our kids are all growing up at the same time! We are only a phone call away, and not that far by car either! chin up girl ;) love ya! Heather
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in life, no matter what the "experts" say, whether you are typical or have special needs. We worry about our kids and the rough road they may have to travel. The key is to not let worrying about the future take over, it's WAY too overwhelming to look at it all as a whole. Little bits are kind easier to swallow.
I hear ya, girl. I thought I was completely over this, and then the "what ifs" started again. "Joy gene" my foot! I think I almost liked it better when no one knew about WS, kind of like belonging to a secret club.
On a lighter note, Tatum has a beautiful tan! If I had her skin and hair there wouldn't be a middle-aged man in Michigan who would be safe:)
Love ya,
Kim
Oh, Lisa! I was just thinking about this kind of stuff today. At the playground, some 3 year-old reached over and touched Nick's conspicuous birthmark. Neither kid said anything and Nick pulled away because it's weird to have a total stranger touch you. That was it. I'm dreading the days he comes home from school crying because the kids teased him. In the meantime, I'm trying to savor these days where it's so easy. Like everyone else says, I can only think to do my best and hope it's good enough for him!
I feel with you for every word you wrote. I have been thinking that more and more as I meet these older kids with WS and can tell they are "different." Clare has not hit that stage yet and I dread it. I, too, want my child to be the one everyone adores and points out because she is freaking adorable, not because she is a freak.
I worry about Brady having friends, as he will see the pages and pages of Michael's birthday parties in my scrapbooks...
It took me while but I am getting close to being "over" him not being a doctor or rocket scientist... I'm not! I know we all say it doesn't matter what you do as a career when you are an adult, but I think we all secretly have specific wishful outcomes. As I look around me at the people who have respectable jobs but miserable lives, I am slowly letting go of what is "Supposed" to happen. I think it might be there somehwere, but all I can hope is that our society is slowly changing for more tolerance and openess.
One final note... Tatum looks so much cuter with a belly with her bikini than I ever could... what's up with that??? :) Love ya-
HI. I found your blog through a Williams blog hop, and I've been reading through all of your entries.
I just wanted to let you know that this particular entry really touched me. I'm the mother of an 8yo girl with Williams, and I share your worries and fears for her future.
{{{hugs}}}
Post a Comment