The Weight of Being "The One" and the Power of Gratitude.

Being a caregiver is a journey like no other. It’s filled with immeasurable love and purpose, but it also carries a weight that only those living it can truly understand. If you’re reading this, you likely know the weight I’m talking about—the weight of being “the one.”

You are "the one" who holds it all together when life feels chaotic and uncertain. The one who knows every detail of your child’s medical history, appointments, and care plans. You are "the one" who tracks therapies, medication schedules, progress notes, and insurance approvals. The one coordinating care across countless specialists and providers, all while ensuring your child’s day-to-day needs are met.

You are also "the one" who must make monumental decisions—ones that are life-altering, life-changing, and sometimes even life-saving. You stay up late researching procedures, treatments, and possibilities, knowing that the responsibility of choosing the right path rests squarely on your shoulders. You are "the one" who smiles for your child when you’re aching inside, the one who fiercely advocates when others don’t understand, and the one who fights behind the scenes to create a better, brighter future for your child.

Let’s not pretend this weight isn’t heavy. The mental, emotional, and physical toll is very real. Some days it feels like too much to bear. Some days, no matter how much you give, it feels like it’s just not enough.

If you feel that heaviness today, I want you to know: you are not alone.

There is an army of caregivers out there who know the weight you’re carrying. We understand the invisible strength it takes to bear this responsibility. We know the exhaustion, the isolation, and the quiet tears that sometimes come at the end of long days. We see you, and we’re standing with you. But I want to offer something that has helped me lighten that weight, even if only a little: the power of gratitude.

When parenting a child with disabilities, life often feels overwhelming, filled with challenges and unknowns. But even in the hardest moments, gratitude can be a lifeline—a way to shift your focus and lighten the load you carry. Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges; it means finding beauty within them. It means celebrating the small victories, like a smile after a hard day, a milestone reached, or a moment of connection. It means pausing to appreciate the joy your child brings to your life, the lessons they teach you about resilience, and the love that is uniquely theirs.

Gratitude can help transform the way you approach caregiving. It reminds you of the privilege it is to be “the one” for your child, to walk this journey with them, and to witness their strength. It doesn’t erase the challenges, but it can help you find light in the darkest times. Gratitude has a way of grounding us, of pulling us back to what matters most, even when life feels overwhelming.

So, if you’re feeling the weight today, take a moment to breathe. Acknowledge how hard this is. Celebrate how far you’ve come. And find just one thing—big or small—to be grateful for. Maybe it’s the sound of your child’s laughter, a kind word from a friend, or even just a quiet moment of rest.

Being “the one” is no easy task, and you don’t have to do it alone. Lean on others. Ask for help. Share your story. And above all, give yourself the same compassion you so freely give to others. Because you are “the one” for your child not because life is easy, but because you are strong, capable, and full of love. You’re making an extraordinary impact—not just on your child but on everyone who sees the courage, kindness, and resilience you live with every single day. And if you ever need a reminder of how incredible you are, just think of this: because of you, your child has someone in their corner who never gives up. That is something to be profoundly grateful for. And so are you.

With love, strength, and gratitude,

Tameka