I had to look the word resilient up in the dictionary. Maybe I didn't have a clear understanding of this adjective that is frequently used to describe children and how they respond to many of life's challenges. When talking honestly and openly about our children and Parkinson's, we keep hearing "kids are resilient." As if to discharge those little bodies with large minds and their journey through life with a parent who has a life changing illness. Often when you state a worry about your child and how they are processing things, you are dismissed.
"They seem happy."
"They will be fine."
"Kids are resilient."
If I had a dollar for every time I heard this......
Taken from Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it reads: Resilient: Able to return to an original shape after being pulled, stretched, pressed, bent, etc..
I personally have a visceral response when I hear this uttered. My children will never "return to an original shape." Their lives have been completely altered. Their hearts pulled and their minds stretched to limits that I truly wonder where the ceiling will be before breaking. Children are not prepared to see someone they love deeply suffer.
Our children are never going to "bounce back," "rebound" or "recover." They will be forever changed from what they witness, see and feel and that's okay! It's our firm belief that they will in turn make this world just a little better because not returning to their original form is pretty awesome, too.
We choose to believe they are Thriving: to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances
Because their blue print has changed forever, they will have strong voices, be leaders, show compassion, be teachers, and become the best little advocates one could ask for!
Children Thriving In The Face Of Adversity