Language
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
Back to Firefly Blog

How My Son Has Shown My True Colours!

How My Son Has Shown My True Colours!

None of us really know what this means until we meet our babies for the first time.

We heard what they were saying and we probably believed them but we did not know the extent of how this would be relevant in our experience.

This was more than true in my experience, as Zachariah has also shown me the person I really am.

I have always been a relatively patient person, with my desire to become a teacher it fitted in quite well.

However on the scale, my patience was not as highly scored as I first thought.

When I first started to try and play with Zachariah my patience was well and truly tested, because he is severely visually impaired he would either not see the toy I was presenting or he would take a very long time to see it.

I got frustrated, I began to believe I could not play with my son and because of that I must be a failure.

However over time I began to understand my son more and I was able to present toys in the way he needed and I learnt how to create the correct atmosphere for him to see, and bring to him bold, contrasting colours.

My patience from here had started to develop, it had reached a new level. I thank my boy for that!

I have always struggled to hold my emotions in. When at University studying in the hope to become a teacher, I was told several times that I should consider teaching children with special educational needs and disabilities.

I remember telling those who suggested it that I would become too emotionally involved, I was not cut out for it and that I am not strong enough to be that person.

How wrong could I have been?! As 3 years later God blessed me with a little boy who has severe disabilities.

Now am I going to say that I am not strong enough or good enough to be his mother? Of course not! God gave me Zachariah, who has shown me who I really am.

So to those people who said to me that having a child would change me, I would like to reply by saying my son hasn’t changed me as such, but he has brought out the better in me, he has shown me how to be patient, how to be strong and how to not be afraid nor doubt myself.

He has shown me how to laugh louder, smile brighter and appreciate the little things.

Thank you Zachariah for showing me who I am.

Firefly Blog

Real life stories, issues and experiences of day to day life by special needs parents and
healthcare professionals.

Rochelle Followes

Meet Our Blogger

I am parent to a gorgeous little blue eyed boy who has complex needs. I have a Facebook page, 'my daily miracle' where I share our life with others. I am an active parent who's working hard to make Zachariah's world more inclusive for him. I like to look at the positives and celebrate everything, but I'm also not afraid to show it how it really is when life gets tough.

View Rochelle’s Profile

Become a Firefly Blogger

Would you like to write for Firefly? Join our blogger network of parents, therapists and professionals.

Get In Touch

Become a subscriber today

Join over 40,000 subscribers to our weekly newsletter with insightful articles just when you need them.

Join Mailing List

By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Click here for more info.

Accept & Close

No Interest if paid in full in 4 months on

Purchases on £99+

UK Customers only. Subject to credit approval. See terms below

Paypal Credit

Pay now or pay over time with PayPal Credit. Just use PayPal Credit in PayPal checkout.

Subject to credit approval.

Purchases of £99+:

No Interest if paid in full in 4 months on purchases of £99 or more.

  • A minimum monthly payment is required and may or may not pay off the promotional purchase by the end of the 4-month period.
  • No interest will be charged on the purchase if you pay it off in full within 4 months. If you do not, interest will be charged on the purchase from the purchase date at the Purchase APR applicable to your account.
  • Any remaining balance due after the 4-month promotional period or any transactions under £99 will be charged interest at 19.9% p.a. (variable).

Purchases of £98.99 or less:

Buy now and pay over time with PayPal Credit when you spend £98.99 or less.

  • If you pay your balance in full each month by the payment due date that is on your statement, you can avoid paying interest.
  • Or, make minimum monthly payments, or any additional amount of your choosing, until you've paid off your balance according to your standard account terms. Please note, interest charges may apply.
  • We'll send you email reminders when your payments are due. You can also keep track of your account and view your statements online at any time.

About PayPal Credit

  • PayPal Credit is a reusable credit line available on purchases at thousands of stores that accept PayPal. It's also available for purchases on eBay and exclusively at thousands of other online stores. Plus, it comes with the same security and flexibility you trust from PayPal.
  • In order to maintain the 0% offer, you need to keep up monthly repayments and stay within your credit limit. Credit subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. UK residents only.

Please wait...