Dear Teacher, sorry I can't make it!

It's that time of year again!  The time when parents flock to the schools with their hearts in their hands, all ready to hear about how their children are progressing.  But for me this time of year brings cold sweats, shakes, and lots of sleepless nights.  I literally dread this time of year.  In fact I would rather go to the dentist and get root canal then sit across from my son's teacher and listen to all the things he can't do and see all the 1s on his report card.
My son has special needs and it literally breaks my heart to see how hard he works and how frustrated he gets over tasks that other children complete in 2 seconds. I know my son does the best that he can. I know what he can and can't do independently. I know that he won't get 3s and 4s in any academic tasks, no matter how hard he tries...so why do I have to go to a parent/teacher conference and listen to someone else tell me what I already know!  It literally breaks my heart!  And here's the kicker of it all...I'm a Special Education Teacher.
I'm the teacher that complains that I never have any parents show up for my students. I am the teacher that criticizes my parents for not being a part of their child's education. And now I am that parent!
So...dear special needs parents, I now know why you don't come out to meet with me.  I now know why you don't want to hear about your child progression and see their report card.  Dear special needs parents I hear you and I now understand because I am you! 
So please forgive me if you don't see me smiling as I walk up the steps to my son's school. Please forgive me if I don't seem so excited to chit chat about my son's report card. Please forgive me if I can't get out of my car and make my way to your classroom. Please forgive me because I am still trying to figure out how to be a special needs mom!