When I was a teenager, I wanted to be a physiotherapist. Now that I'm older and perhaps wiser, I ask myself why I had this aspiration. I certainly didn't have any direct experience with people with physical challenges. Seems like a bizarre career path for me to choose.

Later, when deciding what to do for university, I had the application papers in hand to apply to study for a nursing degree, or for a teaching degree. I wimped out on getting the vaccinations I needed to apply for nursing school, and I went the teaching route. 5 years later, I had a BA with majors in English and Psychology, and a Bachelor of Education. I was a teacher. And I planned on getting my masters in Special Education.

But there was apparently another PLAN for me...

Fast forward to 11 years later. I am a (non-practicing) teacher. But, I am also a physiotherapist, a nurse. I am a speech and occupational therapist, and a doctor who specializes in gastric issues and seizures. I am many, many things. I am the mother of a child with significant physical and intellectual disabilities.

Is it possible that something inside of me "knew" I was destined to be a physical therapist and nurse? I think perhaps this is the case.

Today, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children. Two daughters- ages 3 and 7, and a little boy, aged 9. I sometimes forget how old my son Cameron is, partly because is small for his age, and partly because he is developmentally so "young". I've embraced the important role I have as his mother, and in helping show society that there is nothing wrong with being different. Although others may see him as "flawed", we see him as a truly valuable human being who adds great depth to our lives.  

Having a son with special needs, has taught me much about myself. He inspires me both personally and professionally- he led me on a completely different career path that I had never imagined. Instead of going back to school and "officially" getting my master's degree in Special Education, I started my own business, with products I designed because of him.  Even though I don't formally teach, I am still able to educate others about his disorder, Angelman Syndrome, and to make connections with amazing people I would never had met had I not been his mother.

Yes, I admit that I would prefer to not have to deal with g-tubes, and seizures, and trying to figure out where to fit all his specialized equipment in our small home. And, I've already seen enough bodily fluids to last a lifetime. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm enjoying this career that life planned out for me...