Medical Mums,
surviving diagnosis with strength beyond your expectations By Elizabeth Clements WHILE EXPECTING OUR FOURTH CHILD, MY HUSBAND AND I RECEIVED THE DIFFICULT NEWS THAT OUR SON HAD AN INCURABLE AND LIFE-ALTERING MEDICAL CONDITION. EVERY PERFECT EXPECTATION I HAD HAD FOR MY FAMILY’S LIVES, WAS SHATTERED WHEN WE RECEIVED HIS DIAGNOSIS.
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nstantly we joined the unofficial group of other medical families with diagnoses. A group of families that you only appreciate exist, once you become one of them. Within these families, we may all have different diseases, but we all share similar emotions and challenges. Sometimes the difficulties of being a family living with challenging medical conditions can be utterly heartbreaking. Some days we simply survive, other days we thrive. Something felt oddly familiar, like I had been here before. Not as a mum, but as a sibling. Going through the motions with life the way we knew it changed forever. I had now gone from stalwart sibling to indomitable mother. I do not pity our journey, I know I have been prepared for this. I am not always sure how I persevere, but I always know I can. Watching your child battle the challenges of chronic illness, allows you to bear witness to the immeasurable strength and resilience they possess and teach you time and time again. Mama, you’re stronger than you know, your story isn't in silence. Keep going; you are a warrior. Take deep healing breaths. Allow your tears to fall, then be reassured knowing this isolating journey is not yours alone; let me walk with you. In these families, one partner might frequently find their other-half tired and overwhelmed; left with little energy for them at the end of the day. To these
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