Dear Noa, A Nana Lesson about Special Needs and Love

Dear Noa, This is a lesson about Special Needs and Love.

You were born in September of 2019 before we knew that a Pandemic was looming just around the bend. What a strange time to be an infant. It took a long time for you to meet Aunty Jess. Aunty Jess is different from anybody you have encountered.

Your Aunt has Special Needs

Yes, your Aunt has special needs or whatever term you will use one day, but that is not how we think of Jess. I hope you will see through the wheelchair and differences to embrace the Jessica that Papa and I cherish. I hope you see all that you have in common.

As your Nana, I don’t blame you. As Jessica’s Mom, it hurts.

The first time you met Aunty Jess, you were afraid. Jessica is in a wheelchair and doesn’t use words to communicate. All you saw were your differences. As your Nana, I don’t blame you. As Jessica’s Mom, it hurts.

But we worked together to turn that around, and as soon as you were able to see your Aunty Jess more frequently, I made it my mission for you to engage and appreciate the joys of Jessica.

The first commonality was the pleasure of sharing an ice cream sandwich at a Little League game. Eating ice cream is something that both of you have in common with me!

Music the Universal Language

Noa, You cannot say Aunt or Jess, but you ask me about her all the time. Yes, you found another commonality with your Aunt, and it is through music. Music is the universal language and my daughter and granddaughter both speak the same dialect!

If you have read my blogs about Jessica, you already know that Jess communicates through music and constantly has a tune to share with others.

Noa, you picked up on that, and now you ask me as only you can about Jess. You start singing her tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, and I say, “Are you talking about Aunty Jess, and you gleefully say Yes!”

My heart is soaring; you are no longer weary and nervous. Did Jess know that you were hesitant? I am not sure, and I hope not. Or perhaps Jess knew and decided that singing to you was going to be the magic. We created our own family disability awareness. I hope you will take this knowledge and develop kindness and empathy for other people you will meet.

My oldest daughter and my youngest grandchild have found their connection. Even on facetime! Noa hummed a few bars of twinkle and I asked if she wanted to speak to Aunty Jess, once again Noa give a hearty, “Yes!”

Dear Noa, Aunty Jess Taught You about Special Needs and Love

Moral of the story for other families. Try to embrace the similarities between your child with special needs and new family members and friends.

We all have something that we can cherish together.

Dear Noa, my heart is full.

Love Nana Vickie

Coming Soon: Raising Jess a Story of Hope 
by Vickie Rubin
“I was twenty-four years old and about to deliver my first child. Oh, and I also had the chickenpox.” So begins the story of a first-time mom who learns her infant daughter has severe, multiple disabilities. From the challenges caring for her daughter with disabilities to marriage struggles and the question of having more children, Vickie Rubin gives a glimpse into the world of her family and transformation while Raising Jess. This beautiful, gripping memoir will delight and leave you wanting more.

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