Welcome to Holland

I met Azzy in February 2023, shortly after learning that my youngest daughter has a genetic disorder. I was shocked, distraught, depressed....the list goes on and on. Azzy offered to meet and talk. I didn't hesitate for a minute, and before I knew it, I had opened myself up to her about my new life as a mom of a special needs child. I had so many pent-up feelings and emotions about it. Azzy told me to never lose hope. She said our children have a way of surprising us and showing us they know a lot more than we give them credit for. They may just learn at a slower pace, but they DO learn. It has been a little over a year since I met Azzy. I am in such a different place, mentally, than I was a year ago. Those dark clouds hovering above me during the first few months of 2023 have subsided, making way for a lot more sunshine and hope. Azzy possesses incredible insight, empathy, and willingness to help people with a special needs child. I am so grateful our paths have crossed.

About a year ago at Boston Children’s Hospital with my almost 4-year-old, we were getting ready to leave and waiting for our ride back to the airport. My kiddo was sad, so I walked him up and down the sidewalk in his wheelchair to pass the time. As I walked by this woman on a bench, I stopped. She noticed that my kiddo was struggling and reached into her bag to find a toy. Before trying to hand it to my kiddo, she asked me if he could hold it. I really appreciated that she didn’t assume he was physically able to grasp it. Then we started talking. I learned that we both had other kiddos at home and were trying to balance their lives with the lives and needs of our complex kiddos. I immediately felt comfortable talking to someone who understood. I found someone who’s navigating a similar world to mine, and even when she was facing her own kiddos' appointments, she stopped to offer my kiddo a toy. People like Azadeh let us know we aren’t alone and there is support.