Every minute matters in my house. Our days are full of little moments that mean everything, like hearing my child ask for cuddles, call out for mama and dad, and say my family. When you are raising a nonverbal disabled child, those moments are not small. They are hard-won, deeply personal, and they come in the middle of constant care, constant attention, and the kind of love that never clocks out.

People see a sweet family moment, but they do not always see what surrounds it. Families like mine are carrying emotional, physical, and financial pressure every single day while also trying to give our children comfort, joy, dignity, and connection. When a child is disabled and medically fragile, parents do not get to pause because we are exhausted. We still have to keep going, and too many families are doing that without enough support.

That is why I am asking state health and disability agencies to expand respite care for families of nonverbal disabled children. We need more funded hours, shorter waitlists, and simpler access so families can actually use the help that is supposed to exist. Respite care is not a luxury. It gives caregivers a chance to rest, handle basic life needs, and come back able to keep showing up for our children with patience, strength, and love.

I am making the most out of every minute of life with him, and I know so many other families are doing the same. We should not have to do it alone. If you believe families raising disabled children deserve real support, not just sympathy, please sign this petition.