Audrey, mother of a young child with cerebral palsy, shares their story of how community, support, and connection can lift the heaviest moments.

When we first stepped into the world of therapies, hospitals, and specialist appointments, it felt overwhelming. Chandler spent over a year in hospital after birth and the surgeries, the unknown, the medical terms, the waiting rooms—it was all new and heavy. For years, it felt like we were walking through it alone. But over time, we discovered something life-changing: the power of community.

Community looks different for every family, and it doesn’t always show up where you expect it. For us, it’s been the family who cooks for us each day, our church family who prays with us and reminds us we’re not carrying this burden on our own, and the parents we’ve met at therapy or in hospital waiting rooms who “just get it” without us having to explain a thing. There’s something so comforting about sitting next to someone who understands the unspoken parts of your life.

Online groups have also been a lifeline. Sometimes it’s the late-night reassurance that someone else has walked this road before, or the practical tips from another parent who has tried the same therapy or piece of equipment you’re considering. Even though you may never meet in person, those connections matter. They remind you that your struggles are shared, and your wins—no matter how small—are worth celebrating.

The “right people” lift you up. They don’t minimise your challenges, but they also don’t let you drown in them. They help you find strength you didn’t know you had. Being around those people makes the hard days lighter, and the good days even sweeter.

If you’re just starting this journey, my advice is to seek out those who make you feel lighter, not heavier. It might take time to find your tribe, but when you do, it makes all the difference. Start small: accept help when it’s offered, introduce yourself to another parent in the waiting room, or join a support group online. Step by step, you’ll build a circle of people who remind you that you don’t have to do this alone.

Because the truth is, we were never meant to. 

If you have any questions, you can find Audrey and Chandler here: https://www.instagram.com/mommyisstilllearning