“Why me?” she asked

Seven seconds later: “Sorry. Why NOT me?”

"I have a mission in my life. It's a strong one. I'm here to support parents who have children with special needs."

She's straightforward, transparent, vulnerable, and titanium-strong. Holding her coffee in both hands, she told me that no matter how difficult your life turns out to be, you have a choice. You can break down or consider what happens to you as a blessing.

Joelle's career in marketing came to a sudden halt when her son was born. Everything changed. He needed his mom. All the time. She abandoned her professional dreams and devoted her time to him.

The child could not be diagnosed, and the doctors thought he could not hear, speak, see, or conduct motor activities. He stayed at the hospital from when he was born until he turned six months old, enduring multiple surgeries that continued through his first birthday. The last operation was for his tear ducts. Throughout that period, she would break down every time they rolled her baby into the operating room.

For his baptism, they could un-tube him for the trip to Saint Charbel's shrine and back to the hospital. His slow development got further delayed. No babbling, no crawling, and nothing from what babies his age do. An occupational therapist started working with him in month two.

Through all this, she was questioning, trying to understand, fighting to breathe, be there for her child, and get up from bed every morning. She struggled and couldn't sleep or eat. She lost a lot of weight and was constantly crying. Yet, she climbed from her dark, deep valley where every cell of her body was tested. For nine months, she fought depression and breakdown as she drowned in pain.

Encouraged by her husband to see a mental health professional, she did. Her choice was either to go on medication or to try getting physically active.

Sports saved her

Joelle decided to give sports a try. So, she started to move. Literally moving her body from bed one limb at a time. Gradually, she pushed herself to work out. A few minutes at first, then an hour a day. She went further to two hours per day. Her sleeping improved; she felt better, rested well, and laughed again. The mother who thought she was sentenced to life slowly took her life back, embraced it, and owned it. It actually worked. She became happier, and her body regulated again. Exercising pulled her out of the most challenging period of her life.

Seeing her son in pain became a little more bearable. Knowing that he will be with her all her and his life is suddenly acceptable. He's never going to have independence. He will never go to university. He will always need her.

"When I leave this earth, who will care for him?"

All became okay. Accepted. She completely surrendered to faith. And she still got the energy to get off her ass.

Journeys with pride

She doesn't think too far ahead. She lives one day at a time. She tries not to get sad or angry. Instead, she sees the positive in things.

"I know he's never going to get married. I also know that I won't have to deal with the mother-in-law!"

She has embraced her journey in this life. She believes she's on this earth for a reason. She knows she carries a message for all. Some people can feel ashamed of a child or a relative with special needs. Joelle speaks of her son and his case openly and proudly. She makes sure he's out with her in public everywhere a child can go.

“I’m not embarrassed by him or with him. Zero.”

She loves him unconditionally and is proud of him beyond words. Her attitude has helped many mothers who have the same circumstances. She contributed to their overcoming embarrassment and fear. She glows, knowing that she's inspiring others.

Listening to her, you feel warm, comfortable, and peaceful. You feel how deep, genuine, and aligned she is with her destiny. She is joyful, knowing that her mission is being served every single day.

Since physical activity saved her, why not share the benefits and what she learned with others? People need it, she thought. So, she decided to make it her profession. So, this fitness junkie acquired certifications and started to give group classes. It's time-flexible and convenient. She does her sports when her son attends the special needs school in Qatar. Then, later in the evening, she gives another class after he goes to bed.

Check out her Instagram and website for health, fitness, sports, and family values.

Her supporting heroes

She's a positive person by nature who has been deeply challenged and propagates positive energy, no matter the difficulty. Sports play a big part in her life and therapy. She's joyful when she knows she's made a little difference in someone's life. She sees forgetfulness as a blessing and chooses not to remember the pain and to focus on today. Her journey was and still is difficult. But …

"You don't know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice."

Her husband, the rock, and her mom, the angel. Unwavering. At home. At the hospital. Every day. Each played a role, by her side and accepting. Mom is always with her, supportive and laughing. Chadi's strength and appreciation held her together while drowning her every fiber with love—bucket loads.

"God will always send you someone or something to comfort you and ease your pain."

Joelle could not find enough words to describe how much her husband and her mom mean to her. On the other hand, I wondered how the two got along?

The blessing

Her son is a blessing. God sent him to them because He knew they were capable and willing to care for him. To help him reach his potential.

Mom has her particular language with him. Dad, too. Mom is the bad cop. Dad is the good one. Mom: discipline, doctors, therapists. Dad: comfort and love. He turned 10 and functioning at the cognitive age of 3 or 4. She tells me that he may be able to reach the mental age of 7 or 8. He started to use the iPad by himself! He's very musical with the sweetest, loving, purest of characters. Her little one lives in his own beautiful, pure, innocent world.

"I wish I could see the world through his eyes. I think it's much better than the cruelty we have in ours."

Strength from within

She's been to her darkest valley and back. She won her most significant challenge by working on herself and decided to be content. Life's simple pleasures bring her joy and happiness: sports, going out with a friend, listening to music on her walks, sunbathing, social media, and meeting new people. People she inspires and who inspire her in return.

It took them 10 years to be ready for another child. Her daughter is 1+ years old — brilliant and very aware. She and her brother get along and quarrel like the siblings that you'd expect. She waited that long to ensure her son got to the stage where he is a little independent. When she got pregnant again, she got scared that their second baby would have the same syndrome. And then, she released the process and gave her burden to the Virgin Mary. She delivered.

Out of the valley, this changed person learned to be patient, build resilience, love, and understand. She allows herself to still feel bad and cry every now and then. Because she knows she's stronger.

Parents want all the best for their children. All she wants for her son is to live, to stay with her. She doesn't care if he wouldn't talk, run, or write. She doesn't care if he won't be as tall as the average kid his age. She has no expectations whatsoever. She just wants to love her children. It's lonely to be with a special needs person, and the circle of parents with these cases is tiny. Making friends with the mothers of her boy's friends is not possible. He doesn't have any. No sleepovers and no playdates. No Fortnight nor Minecraft. She's her son's best friend. She's the one who keeps him entertained.

Count your blessings

When was the last time you counted your blessings? Seriously. Like, ponder, and list 7. Joelle cherishes hers.

"You're awake. You're alive. It's a new day. At least you have that. Just saying."

Pause. "So, there." She giggled and smiled.

As I left our coffee table that day, I wondered, do we have to go through that much to be as genuine, strong, at peace, and on purpose?

What is the greatest blessing I've been sent, and what have I done with it?