I posted this to a friends timeline this morning and thought I would post it for all of my friends with special kids like my Emilee. It has gotten me through more than a few why me? moments and will always be somewhere close by. Erma Bombeck was a treasure. The Special Mother by Erma Bombeck Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger. Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. Hes used to profanity. Forrest, Marjorie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia. Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew. Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, Give her a handicapped child. The angel is curious. Why this one God? Shes so happy. Exactly, smiles God, Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel. But has she patience? asks the angel. I dont want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, shell handle it. I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child Im going to give her has her own world. She has to make her live in her world and thats not going to be easy. But, Lord, I dont think she even believes in you. God smiles, No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness. The angel gasps - selfishness? is that a virtue? God nods. If she cant separate herself from the child occasionally, shell never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesnt realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a spoken word. She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says Momma for the first time, she will be present at a miracle, and will know it! I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side. And what about her Patron saint? asks the angel, his pen poised in mid-air. God smiles, A mirror will suffice.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 11:45:28 +0000
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