Welcome to my Warrior Mums, a collection of family journeys from parents of children/adults with special needs.
Some of our mums are advocates or established campaigners, one is a midwife, then we have two nurses, three teachers, two solicitors and a GP....
Their stories have been a learning curve for parents and professionals alike.

We've had to adapt to so many government cuts and policies in the last few years and it's taken its toll on families. This blog has given parents the opportunity to share their individual experience of their unplanned life with a vulnerable adult/child.

Some parents have had great support with wonderful professional guidance, whilst others, sadly, have been lied about and deceived, blamed for their child's 'problems' by some who have no understanding of their disability. Facts about their family life have been distorted and manipulated into many untruths, making parents aware their reputation precedes them in every meeting they attend. They feel judged, disrespected and ganged up on. Telling their story in Warrior Mums puts their truth 'out there' for all to see.

A major concern is that when a young person reaches the age of 18, regardless of whether they have autism or a severe learning disability, legally, they are classed as an adult. As a parent you can no longer make decisions on their behalf. If your loved one is in the care of the state and you upset the care staff or social workers then the chances are they will stop you from visiting or from having any contact. Information regarding medication or any other health issues about your loved one's welfare is withheld, all under the guise of your loved one's 'best interest', pulling out the Court of Protection/Mental Capacity Act gagging cards. The cruel message to parents is clear - - toe the line, stop asking questions and taking too much interest or lose contact with your child.

It's hard to believe this government are locking up people with special needs, people who would have had more freedom in the 70s living in big 'institutions' than they do in 'independent living' today...

We have to do something to stop this abuse of power. We have to do something today...

Michelle Daly


25 October 2012

"WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS"

Well, it's finally here - that labour of love that has consumed me for the last two years - that is of course when I wasn't caring for my daughter. I don't mind telling you that juggling writing and being a full time carer to my lovely daughter has been exhausting. I know many of you will understand what I mean because lots of you are also carers. Our priority is to care and nurture a family member that is totally dependant on our love and support, which often leaves us little time or energy to develop our own interests. We become isolated and can easilly forget there's a world out there that still holds a place for  us.  


So last Christmas I made a pact with myself; writing and caring had to somehow be separated and I had to establish some kind of writing schedule or I would never finish my book. I needed peace and quiet, without any distractions.

I decided that when Marie went to bed at 11pm (well, she is 47!) that I would also hit the hay. I set my alarm clock for 2.30 in the morning and crossed my fingers. It was difficult at first. I would fall out of bed at that Godforsaken hour telling myself over and over it had to be done. It was the only way I would ever achieve my goal. I wrapped myself in my pink fluffy dressing gown and slippers (resembling a big fat marshmallow) and headed for the kitchen to make a cuppa. Then I lit a candle and placed that burning flame of hope on my desk, rubbed my sleepy eyes and switched on my computer.

1970 Age 5 Learning to walk
You see my daughter inspires me more than anybody. She has a severe learning disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, dysphasia and scoliosis, yet she goes to bed and awakes with a big smile on her face. If she can cope with all that life's dealt her then I should be able to do anything. No excuses. 

 It was hard - so so hard, but I stuck with it night after night, week after week, month after month, until With a Little Help From my Friends was completed. 

 I look back now and wonder how I did it. But I didn't do it alone. With my  lovely daughter's courage and inspiration and my determination, I say we wrote that book together. 


Posted by at
Labels: ,

10 comments:

  1. Unknown00:45

    You inspire me to work even harder, Michelle. Best of luck on, With a Little Help From my Friends.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deb20:46

    Best of luck with your book. I think its amazing what you have achieved and I'm sure you will inspire other writers. I'm only a blogger but know only too well how hard it is to write when caring for someone. Deb (@MumForAutism)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michelle Daly20:07

      Thanks Deb! "I'm only a blogger" indeed! You know what they say, what doesn't kill you makes you strong, and we've all been there, haven't we?

      Delete
  3. Ruth Mancini09:09

    An incredible tale of immense courage and determination - and I'm just talking about this blog post! I can't wait to read the book. What Marie's life would have been like had you not come along doesn't bear thinking about and, as a parent of a disabled child, sends shivers down my spine. I so admire your self-discipline in writing at night,too, the way you did.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michelle Daly20:47

      Hello Ruth, many thanks for the kind words and support. I'm honoured to have met such wonderful special needs mums on Facebook and Twitter. Isn't it great that we can share our stories, give each other advice and even have a good moan.
      I hope you enjoy With a Little Help From My Friends. I'm sure there'll be a lot in my book that will resonate with you

      Delete
  4. SS Bazinet16:09

    What an inspiration you are, dearest Michelle! Your dedication and loving heart are shining examples of what is best in a human being. I'm truly looking forward to reading "With a Little Help From my Friends!"

    ReplyDelete
  5. Downs Side Up14:41

    Gosh Michelle, I had been pondering waking early to write, but I had 5am in mind, not an astonishing 2.30! You are truly incredible. Much love and thank you for what you do.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Michelle Daly18:23

    Thank you Hayley. Oh, the things we do for love. :) xx

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)