Snowflakes and Superheroes

When I was a kid my Mum used to say "the right kid got diabetes," My sister was a rock star in my eyes with her illness. At the time I was absolutely terrified of needles. I would hide under the counter at the doctor’s office when it came time for boosters, Mom and a nurse would have to hold me down, it was traumatizing for me. I eventually grew out of it but in that moment- she got me. My sister had strengths that I did not. The ease that she would give herself syringe after syringe when I couldn't even look at one. She had strength in her that I admired. I have learned through my own children that despite your own trials you still have the ability to find and lean on the strength of others.

When a family is composed of members with more than one medical struggle you find yourself making a conscious decision not to compare. We have a saying in my house “there are no special snowflakes.” We never accept absence for a limitation but instead will modify anything and everything so each person feels productive, included, and valued. Each has their own strengths and it is with those that we build each other up. They start to see the world not in limitations but in modifications and the successes of others.

Each child had an assignment for school to write about their “in person hero.” One would think they would write about a parent or grandparent, maybe a teacher or coach. They chose each other. Each highlighting a quality related to their unique medical characteristics equating them to near super powers. “J is tube fed and wears his backpack everyday, he doesn’t care when people about it and when they ask he just says ‘it’s my special food’, then tells them how much he loves Mario!’” “E is bald and she doesn’t wear a hat or a wig! She knows she’s pretty and teaches people all about it when they ask.” When self reflection could turn dark they only have to look to each other to find nearly contagious positivity. What you feel as a weakness someone could see as your greatest strength. Even in what may seem like your biggest trials in someone else’s story you could be the super hero armed with ferocious strength and positivity.

When faced with a choice don’t be a special snowflake, be a superhero.