Raising Five Children Alone - But with Perks!

I'd like to share an amazing story with you. A very close friend of mine, Colleen, has five beautiful children. One, Eli, who is 23, has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. One, Justin, who is 14, suffers from Schizophrenia, Attention Deficit Disorder and Bi-Polar Disorder. One, Becca, who is 9, and the twin sister of Jeremy, also suffers from Bi-Polar Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder. Stephen, who is 19, and Jeremy, who is 9, show no signs of any disorders. She has basically raised these kids ALONE, but for the support she receives from the twins' father. The others are cowards of the worst sort, and provide nothing for their children.

Amazingly, the children who are afflicted with these disorders, recognize that they have them and haven't let it stop them from pursuing an active and fulfilling life. In fact, what's even more amazing is that if you look at them, you can't tell that they even have a disability.

Case in point, when I met Justin for the first time two years ago, he matter-of-factly told me that if he didn't take his medications, he heard voices. Hearing voices is part of dealing with Schizophrenia. He knew it and he knew what would happen if he didn't take the medications that are designed to help him cope with the condition. He has also become quite a role model for my own son, who is Autistic. They met two years ago in a local Cub Scout troop. One provided by the local Special Recreation District, NEDSRA. It helped to bring two totally different kids together in mutual friendship. To this day, I can depend on Justin to keep my son on track when they are together. He's so good at being a good role model that, recently, at his therapeutic day school, Justin was asked to be a mentor to another mentally disabled student. How's that for amazing? Justin is also actively interested in anything to do with cars and motorcycles. He has spent lots of time working on his own bicycle. He even helped out at a local bike shop doing odd jobs and helping out around the shop. He wants to be a mechanic when he's older, probably not dissimilar to his favorite TV idols on American Chopper. They have been a source of inspiration to this young man, who was fortunate enough to meet Mike Teutel earlier this year. I have never seen him happier that at the moment that he laid eyes on one of their motorcycles in person. The best part? It was the day he turned Fourteen. Hopefully, in another ten years, he'll have built his own motorcycle. How about that.

Now, the eldest, Eli, has been coping with her disorder for nearly ten years. She attended a Therapeutic Day school, after attending a mainstream school for awhile. She graduated from that school as the class Valedictorian. While no one is entirely sure about what caused her disorder, she has not let that stop her from pursuing a career or working full time. YES, full time. She works full time and goes to school full time. And what is she studying? MENTAL HEALTH NURSING!!! The same school she graduated from, wants her to return to take a position with them once she's finished her schooling. How amazing is that? So many of these young people are led to believe that they can't lead fulfilling lives. They CAN!!! She is currently making STRAIGHT A's in all of her coursework. If she can do it, anyone CAN. She's not letting this disorder keep her from pursuing her dreams. She's putting her disorder into perspective and doing something with her life that will eventually help others like her. That is what is truly inspiring.

The youngest, Rebecca, currently attends a local mainstream school, with an Inclusion classroom. She's probably not sure yet, what she wants to do with her life, but then, she's 9. A bit of a tomboy, Becca plays baseball, but she truly enjoys it. So, who's to say what her life may hold down the road.. She's also part of the local Special Recreation District, and takes part in a variety of the groups offered by this organization. Like her brother and sister, she knows she has a disorder and needs to take her medication. She's a happy little girl who, like any other, loves to play with her friends. She's not letting her disorder stop her from having fun.

But, the truly amazing thing, is that Colleen has raised all of her children virtually alone. With her own conditions to conquer, she has raised her children with a firm, but loving, hand. Teaching them right from wrong, how to do right by others, and how to cope with the trials of life, just as any parent has to. She struggles to make sure that her kids are fed, just like so many other families with single parents. But, she doesn't let this situation get her down. She's a strong advocate for those with disabilities, given that's she's raised 3 of her own with varying conditions. She doesn't judge anyone with a disability for their eccentricities. And that's part of my amazement.

Despite all of the things she has to deal with as a single parent, barely getting by, she's capable of so much love and compassion that it's a shame people view single parents with such disdain. And having been on the receiving end of that disdain myself, I can understand what she's going thru. Just remember, single parents are people, too. They are not always single by choice, usually circumstances that are out of their control. If you asking yourself why you should feel anything for a single parent who has to accept State Assistance, when it's your tax dollar helping to pay for that assistance, remember this: someday you might need that same assistance. They have worked to pay into that system, too. Would you want them to judge you for needing help when you paid into it, too? Would you want people to question your morals and ethics, just because your circumstances have changed? NO!!! Not every single parent who is on Assistance is a worthless bum.

Just remember, when your circumstances change and you need help, be glad that those you showed compassion to, give the same in return.