Reid (6), Rhett (8), and Cora (4)

“Raising Reid” – Whitnie

They say it takes a village to raise a child. I believe that to be true. If left up to me alone, I’m not sure I’d survive the emotionally taxing roller coaster ride of parenting a special needs child. Reid was diagnosed with x-linked Creatine Transporter Deficiency at age 2-½ after searching rigorously for answers to his unexplained symptoms.
While finding out what we were up against has outlined the terms of Reid’s disorder, this fight has been far from fair. As a parent, I have learned patience like I never knew existed. Sometimes, this means digging deep for strength and facing unconditional love in its truest form. Seeing your child unable to speak, frustrated and biting himself, is enough to bring you to your knees. But you can’t allow that. You can’t give up the fight, or the hope, or the dreams that one day the little wins will evolve into big wins.

I see how far Reid has come. Through therapy, hard work and with that same stubbornness that I loathe, he perseveres. I’m amazed at the obstacles that he faces and I’m humbled by the determination and fire I see in his eyes. He doesn’t give up… so neither do I. Raising Reid has its daily challenges. We deal with seizures, tube feeds, screaming and behavioral issues on a daily basis. But if you really look, you can see the gifts. You can see a boy who touches the lives around him. He is a teacher without words, and I’m learning just as much from him as he is from me. Together we are navigating this rocky path, and we will continue to grow and develop every step of the way. It’s true that I’m the one raising Reid, but I couldn’t do it without knowing that he’s right here with me – raising me.