YOU ARE NOT ALONE***
By Author- Alisha Prien
Today I had the privilege of meeting some amazing parents at Spencer’s school. I was given the opportunity to share my journey in the disability world and what it meant to be given help so early on. It’s amazing really, so many parents were not aware of the help out there, or that carers were even a thing to have access to. Not only did they not know about the help, but also a lot of parents are afraid of the help, afraid of judgement and afraid of mistakes made. Finally things clicked! I realised why I wasn’t seeing many children in the industry with carers. Parents are either afraid of help, don’t know its out there, or choose to carry what they feel is their own burden. These are all things I myself have experienced many times with my son.
I’ve been lucky to have the same carers since Spencer was one, and if it wasn’t for those carers I would not be where I am today and have the life I have today. There was a time where I had no choice but to accept help that came my way. I was forced into a position where I had to get my life together very quickly; when I became a single mum. It was during this phase in my life that I needed help the most. I was struggling to find a rental, find a job, juggle caring for my two kids, one of which with high needs requiring 24/7 care. It was hectic to say the least…
It was during this time, I grew to realise just how important accepting the help was. It was as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders, and for just a moment during the chaos I was able to breathe again. It was because of the support I was able to meet my now future husband, adopt a stepson, have a house, and run a business. It is because of the support workers, I can attend my two older kid’s sports, give them the attention they deserve, and be present for all their little achievements. The support workers have become a part of our family and play a crucial role in our household. They do so much more than just care for our special little ones, they give back time to parents. Time to go on that one date night. Time to breathe. Time to finish off tasks we’ve been putting off for years.
My son has the best time with his carers. They take him to the Aquarium, Time Zone, Movies. They read to him, take him on walks. Honestly, he’s living his best life. They bath and care for him the same way I do, and they love him the same way I do too.
We were dealt cards we didn’t ask for, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end. I know it’s scary, I know you feel it’s your duty and your burden to carry alone, but I promise you, to accept the help is worth it. You are worth it. We all deserve to have a life. You deserve to live and experience life; the same way you believe your special little one deserves to live and experience life.