It’s 11:30 in the morning and the monkey is napping. I can count on the fingers of one hand how many times he has taken naps since he was born. Last night, or I should say early this morning, he woke up at 2:30 wanting to shower. I tried to get him to go back to sleep but he was wide awake determined to shower. I finally gave in. He showered for about twenty minutes, he wanted a snack and then wanted to watch cartoons. I finally gave in and watched shows on my phone next to him. I’m just too tired to fight him.

Then at 6:30 I woke my husband up. I asked him to take over and I went to sleep. My husband said he asked for a few car rides. And now he’s asleep.

The debate is should we let him sleep? He won’t sleep at night. But he needs to rest. I don’t know how his little body manages with no sleep all this week. Because my husband and I are simply unable to function well.

So why share this? I share this so others understand the struggles of special needs families. I know most of us go through this journey in silence. Not because we are ashamed, but because it’s constant.

After a while, it feel like a broken record. “The monkey woke up in the middle of the night again. I’m going on two hours of sleep again.” After some time, it’s just a silent struggle. And it’s a lonely struggle. It’s not as if we can call someone at 2 a.m. to vent.

So if you know a special needs family, reach out. They may not call you, but a small act goes a long way. Bring them coffee. Offer to babysit. Show them that they are not alone. I can guarantee you that your small act will be a wonderful way for them to feel seen. ❤️