I have to say, I fully understand the feeling of speechlessness when speaking to a parent who has a child with a disability. I also have to admit that in my lack of ability to know what to say, I have fallen back into the use of trite, thoughtless responses.
When I read this post, by a lady I do not know, and whose blog I had never read, I heard the heart cry of many parents I have known, over the years, who have been forced to be captive audience to the things we have said to them. The things that, although not intended to be hurtful, they echo in the hearts of those mere human parents for days, weeks, and even years to come.
Adrienne Jones and hubby Brian, live with their family of three sons and one daughter, in Albuquerque, NM. Their youngest child, Carter, lives with special needs that keep their family on their toes.
It is the raising of Carter that, I feel, gives her the right to speak to us today, in her post Dear People Who Do Not Have a Child With Disabilities. Please click on the link, and read her story at her blog site.
itsawonderfilledlife 
Reblogged this on Lessons from my daughter and commented:
A must read!
Interesting reading and yes as a mother of a now adult child with a disability I have heard it all. I have made it my goal and responsibility to educate and support the questions and comments from well intended persons as my job.I strive to educate and advocate for my daughter and people with disabilities!!! It is a life long challenge and love that never is completed, and looks different at each stage of my daughter’s life and my own!!!
Claudia, I bet you have heard it all … And more! It is a good and important thing to share what you know, and correct what is wrong, and what is said wrongly. Blessings to you as you climb a steep mountain in search of the best of life for your daughter. Carole
Sent from my iPad
It indeed is hard to say the right thing sometimes which you think is harmless and casual but it ends up hurtful anyways.
Thanks for this post. Great learning through it.
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Glad you liked the post, but I wrote it and it belongs to me. Please take it down.
I am so sorry, Adrienne! No intent to steal your post. I will ensure your words are gone today. Is it okay with you if I erase your words, and provide a link to your site? Your message is SO very important for people to read. I will adjust as you please.
Carole