Walking for Emmett
Fundraiser has altruistic aim: help for toddler with spina bifida
Where do I begin? After all of the hesitation about privacy in our lives, I decided if it would benefit him, I could do it.
The above articles opened my eyes to more than I had bargained for. I am so proud of our son, for all of the hard work, and the gifts he bestows on our family. Two very different articles....two very different reactions.
The Walking for Emmett article in the News made me so happy, so proud and so hopeful. The fact that the reporter's focus was on Emmett and his abilities, and who he is as a person has found me in complete awe of my child.
While the Advocate article made me sad. It frustrated me how the words came out, how the focus was on the Spina Bifida, and not on Emmett. I wonder if this is my fault, because I was nervous, and this was the first interview, I didn't want the focus to be on the negative. But for some reason.....when I read what I had said "“It’s very emotional for me, but it is so wonderful to have my friends help out like this,” she says. “Emmett’s father and I are very proud and we don’t like to ask for help because we don’t want to have to admit that we can’t look after our child. But we just can’t do it all on our own.”
I know I shouldn't have said so much.....there comes a point when too much information is deafening to the eyes. I wish I could go back, I do not want people to feel sorry for Emmett, or our family. He is an amazing child, just as his brother is. I hope that the article in The News illustrates this more clearly.
If there is one thing I can take away from this experience it is how much disclosure results in good feedback. I do not want Emmett to read the Advocate article later in life and see what I saw: desperation, sadness, and frustration. How do I erase what is already written?
