Christmas has just passed, as well as Hannukah and Kwanzaa began a few days ago. In a few short nights, the world will be celebrating on New Year's Eve - ready to ring in the new year - 2015.
A popular song to hear during the winter holidays is John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Christmas - War is Over." In many regards, the seemingly countless illnesses and disabilities that children worldwide struggle with are wars in and of themselves. Lennon was likely and clearly speaking of wars waged between nations but after some reflection, any parent or loved one of a chronically or terminally child, a child who has had a major illness or injury, or a child with disabilities would probably relate to the feeling of waging a war: a war against the disease(s), the symptoms, the side effects of medications and treatments, the loss of abilities and opportunities for their child and at worst, the impending death or passing of their child.
A portion of the lyrics sing:
A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear
And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
[John Lennon - Happy Christmas (war Is Over) Lyrics | MetroLyrics ]
Imagine for a moment you are the mother, father, sibling or other loved one of a child diagnosed with a disease that he or she must fight a war against and in this war, you are the child's ally. Perhaps you are reading this and are already fighting in such a war. Looking at the world, "And what have we done?" - what have you done in the past year to help children waging wars against illnesses like cancer, heart disease, epilepsy, and the long list of other ailments too many young people face a battle with daily. If you are a close loved one of a sick or disabled child, you've likely done a lot - been their comforter, their advocate, their nurse, and so much more.
In the midst of the heart-ache of having a sick child, it is difficult to cope emotionally, physically and spiritually. It can and often is a very alienating experience. Many parents of special needs children loose touch with family and friends due to the amount of them they must spend dedicated to caring for their child. Yet, reaching out to others going through similar situations who can relate to one's feelings caring for a sick or disabled child can be one of the most comforting means of helping one's self feel stronger and gives fuel to keep fighting the war against disease and disability.
We must not get tunnel vision and look only at our own circumstances! Reaching out to help others is another way that parents and loved ones of sick and disabled kids can gain strength to win the battles. It's important to care for others as you would want them to care for you. While no one can possibly care for everyone all of the time, showing compassion, love and encouragement to others - even in small ways - can go a long distance to help both the recipient and one's self in feeling more capable to win the war waging on.
Our wish and prayer for 2015 is that the wars children face against diseases and disabilities would simply vanish but that hope is, sadly, an unrealistic one. But the hope that corporate and community groups, families and individuals will find it in their hearts to make a new year resolution to help sick kids is not an unrealistic dream. Education, awareness campaigns and fundraising are ways that every citizens can help those families battling wars against horrible diseases and disabilities. It is never too late to start.
