Do you ever have those moments when you wonder what your life would be like if one thing were different? Perhaps multiple things? Today, I am having that kind of day.

Not specifically with my children, because my wonders for them are infinite. I am talking more for general things in life. For instance, I wonder what life would be like if I could just snap my fingers and send Ella to any school I wanted? I wouldn’t have to deal with people in the district sending me ridiculous emails about things that we have discussed nine hundred times already. I would no longer have to deal with principals who say one thing and do something totally different. Or worrying about teachers who don’t do their job correctly, or therapists who are not willing to try new things. I wonder if they have ever gone the extra mile for their students?

I wonder what it would be like to have a sensory room dedicated to Ella and all her needs? A space where she can go be stimulated, and have toys that are Ella appropriate to play with. The really cool light tubes that attach to the ceiling and floor with bubbles inside of them moving in cool patterns, the sensory boards filled with multiple simple tasks for her to practice. It would have the chairs she plays in at school, swings hanging from the ceiling, sand, art, a Nugget, the skies the limit. I wonder what it would be like to be able to afford something like that, or even just have the space?

I wonder what it would be like to have a pool facility close by dedicated ONLY to special needs children who could benefit so much from aqua therapy? A pool that accepted insurance so parents didn’t have to worry about being able to afford getting their kids the help they so desperately need (we are fortunate to get Medicaid money for therapy but not everyone does). I wonder what it would be like for Ella to swim with other children like her, with an instructor who pushed her to work hard? Or to have a pool where the floor raises so she can practice walking at her own level.

I wonder what it would be like to take a night to honor all the wonderful people who work tirelessly to help our kiddos be the very best they can be? I wonder if these individuals have ever been appreciated for being overworked and underpaid? I wonder if they even know how many lives they have changed over the years?

I wonder what it would be like to have a handicap accessible house with wide doorways, and showers where you can wheel in special chairs? Or a counter/ island low enough to wheel up a chair for eating in the kitchen, or brushing your teeth in the bathroom. How about a sink to be able to comfortably wash your hands or a toilet that had an easy transfer? I wonder what it would be like to have one of those special needs beds that make life so much easier for moms and dads.

I also wonder what it would be like to have flights dedicated for only special needs kiddos and their families? Maybe a private jet, that doesn’t cost more than a regular plane ticket, where kids can travel without worrying about other passengers. Those who can’t travel commercial due to seating or behavioral restrictions, can now take vacations with their families and make wonderful memories. So many special needs kiddos will never get to see the world.

I get that most of these things are possible with money. Whether it comes from your pocket, donations, or the insurance company. Raising a special needs child is not cheap, and prioritizing individual needs is the name of the game. I wonder how hard it would be to start a foundation to help with some of these societal needs?

I think about all that Ella has access to and am so incredibly grateful. I also think of all that is still out there for her. All the things she might never get to have, see, or do. Truth be told, that goes for all children. I just see more and more that opportunities for her are limited and it makes me wonder.

I posted some cute stories of the kids today. Check us out on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/zurlnick_five