Happy Thanks Ticcing

With yesterday being Thanksgiving and all I gave some serious thought as to what I am most thankful for at this point in my life.  Aside from the typical things like family and friends, I thought of one more unlikely recipient of my thankfulness – my son’s Tourette’s.

A year or so ago, I couldn’t honestly tell you that Jacob’s challenge is something I am thankful for.  In fact, I hated it and wanted nothing more than for it to go away.  But today is different.  Today I have realized that Jacob’s TS has affected me in a most profound way.  Now that’s not to say that I don’t get frustrated when Jacob’s tics cause him pain – emotional or physical.  But I have learned so much from Jacob as well as from the other Touretters that I have had the pleasure of spending time with.

So you’re probably wondering what in the world I could possibly have learned from having Tourettes in my life. Here are a few of the reasons I am thankful:

1.  In the words of my 11 year old “Everyone has a challenge and Tourette’s is mine”.  So my challenge is that my son has TS and I have to accept the fact that I can’t “fix” him.  More importantly I have to realize that he doesn’t need fixing.  He is who he is – and that’s okay.  In fact, it’s a blessing because Jacob is a kind, sympathetic soul who understands that being different is not a curse and without TS he might not be that person.

2.  I have learned that, although there are plenty of downright mean people in the world, who will mock another person’s disability, there are even more compassionate, kind people who are quick to embrace others in spite of the thing that makes them different.  And those people have the most beautiful souls I have ever encountered. Period.

3.  And I have learned that reaching out to others who share in our challenge (or any challenge for that matter) is far more rewarding than any material gain I have ever had.

4.  As a person who has always battled with self-esteem and the feeling that I just don’t fit in, Jacob and his TS have shown me that there is so much confidence to be gained from acknowledging my differences and celebrating them.  And the beauty in being different is that no one can give to the world what I can because there is no one else like me.

So you see TS is really a blessing in my life.  Without TS I could never be where I am today.  I hope you have found a way to be thankful for the challenges in your own life.

Drop me a line and let me know what you are thankful for.

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2 Comments

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  By Elizabeth C, December 9, 2009 @ 1:56 pm

  I readily “second” all the things you are thankful for! I could not have put it more honestly and compassionately. I have always felt that everything happens for a reason, and that my boys came into my life so that we could all grow and learn together.

  Dealing with Tourettes & Autism on a daily basis makes me thankful for the little things, like time spent together and a joke shared. And I, too, have learned so, so much about myself and am grateful for those lessons.

  Thanks for a great post! It has made me pause during my frantic holiday baking and remember why I am thankful. I needed a reminder today!

  Cheers!

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  By Moxie Momma, December 11, 2009 @ 4:16 pm

  Elizabeth, I’m glad that my post meant something to you. Six years ago I could not have said those things but today I am proud of my growth..and proud of my son who is a big part of the reason I was able to move forward.

  As for the holiday baking, you are one up on me! I won’t be starting until next weekend when my mom gets here.

  Have fun and don’t forget to taste test each batch for poison It’s a necessary part of our job as mothers!

  Believe,
  Michelle

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