I always say that children with GDD (and other special needs children) are unpredictable. When I talked about my son’s sleeping habits, I must admit that I did sound a little bit complaining. Of course, people outside the world of special needs families will immediately think that unpredictability is bad, or challenging at the very least. Again, it’s partly true. However, it’s not as bad as others may think it is.

The unpredictability of children with GDD

In fact, if you look at the bright side of things, it can actually be an exciting journey. Life for special needs parents (and kids) can be full of surprises. There are moments when you’d just be amazed when your child would suddenly do something outside their usual routine. I’ve heard my non-verbal son blurt out words once or twice (and never repeat them again) out of nowhere.

But what I like most are the moments when he would just approach me, hold my hand, and then gesture for us to play. Sometimes it would be a game of "hide and seek," at times it would just be running around, and most of the time he would just ask to be carried around.

When he asked to be carried, I used to toss him in the air. I could do it effortlessly when he was little. He enjoyed it very much. However, he’s quite a big boy now. Much bigger for his age, so carrying him is already proving to be a huge challenge for me.

If my arms, legs, and back become sore, I just try to remind myself that he won’t be a small boy forever. He’d grow up and probably make a life for himself someday (we’re praying for it). The same goes for his little brother, so I’m cherishing every moment of it.

Let me reiterate again that it’s not always bright and all smiles for us; I’d lose my temper when I get so tired. That’s the reality of parenthood. That’s part of taking a special needs child. Nevertheless, I try my best to stretch my patience by a few kilometers more when things become too stressful for us.

Anyway, one afternoon, I persuaded my son that we should go inside the house because it was already getting dark. As usual, he asked me to carry him, but just as we were walking towards the gate, he tried reaching for the clothesline. I jokingly pulled him away just as he was about to touch the wire, and then he laughed nonstop.

He tried reaching for it again, and I pulled him away just as he was about to grab the clothesline, and then he laughed heartily again. My son was laughing so hard that I just let him be. I didn't want to spoil that beautiful moment. I teased him a few more times because I just wanted to hear him laugh. I only stopped when it was already too dark to see the things around us.

That was just one of those precious, unexpected moments with my son that I cherish. It's a privilege to be a special needs dad.

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