I traveled with Sarah Kate this past weekend for her to compete in a wheelchair tennis tournament. After years of swimming (and other sports) with able-bodied kids and teens, she’s found a sport that fits with her competitive spirit, keeps her body in strong physical shape, and connects her with others who, like her, live in a world that is not physically made for them.
At these tournaments, my introvert tendencies fall by the wayside; I want to know people’s stories, how they got started with tennis, what their daily lives are like, and so on. I am especially interested in talking to the parents of the other athletes, as it’s rare for me to be able to spend time with people who know what it’s like to be a parent or caregiver of someone with a physical disability. Because rapid-fire conversation with strangers isn’t in my comfort zone, I always leave these events both encouraged and exhausted – happy to have met some kindred spirits, but also fearful that I’ve said or done something inappropriate or insensitive, or that I’ve embarrassed my daughter by being pushy or annoying.
I suspect other moms of special needs kids can relate.
