Our Special Homecoming Ask
By Amber Reynolds
One of the things I’ve learned as a parent raising a child with Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (OCNDS) is that joy and grief often live side by side. There are moments when I’m bursting with pride over Harper’s growth and happiness, and then there are times when my heart quietly aches for the milestones and experiences that may never come.
As Harper has entered high school, I’ve found myself facing new stages of this journey. Recently, homecoming season arrived. My social media feeds filled with pictures of teenagers holding cute posters, smiling, and saying “yes” to being someone’s date. I loved seeing those moments for my friends and their children, it truly made me smile, but it also stung. Deep down, I knew that Harper would likely never have that traditional “homecoming ask.”
Instead of sitting in that sadness, Brian and I decided to create our own version of the experience. We asked Harper to homecoming ourselves. Since we’re chaperoning the dance, it felt like the perfect opportunity to make her feel included and celebrated. We made it special, just like all the other kids get to experience, and the best part is, she said YES with the sweetest smile. ❤️
For us, this moment was more than just about homecoming. It was about reclaiming a milestone in a way that fits Harper’s journey. It was about showing her that she deserves all the joy, all the celebration, and all the love. And it was about reminding ourselves that while our path looks different, it can still be filled with meaningful and beautiful moments.
To my fellow OCNDS families: I know how hard it can feel to see your child miss out on milestones that the world defines as “normal.” But I also know how much power there is in creating new traditions, finding joy in unexpected places, and celebrating the milestones that are uniquely ours.
This weekend, I get to go to homecoming with my daughter, and I couldn’t be prouder. 🥹✨