bloghopenchangery

As a mommy of a special needs child, and he will turn 36 soon, I just wanted to tell you how lucky you are to have Sarah and Todd in your life. Your parents.

After I watched you on Barbara Walters, I thought about the Erma Bombeck column sent to me by a dear friend who saw me as the luckiest woman in the world, and not a martyr. It was the 70’s, my son was a gift, as you are, and will be forever.

Unconditional love IS forever :)

Here’s that article, share it with mom…..

A Story contributed by Erma Bombeck to a group of very special moms, circa 1970’s.

This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angel to make notes in a giant ledger.

“Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint, Matthew.”

“Smith, Marge, daughter, patron saint, Cecillia.”

“Rutledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint…give her Gerard. He’s used to profanity.”

Finally he passes a name to the angel and smiles, “Give her a handicapped child”. The angel is curious. “Why this one, God? She’s so happy.” “Exactly,” says 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 don’t want her to have to much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off she’ll handle it.” “I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so necessary in a mother. The child I am going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world, and that’s not going to be easy.”

“But Lord, I don’t 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 can’t separate herself from the child occasionally, she’ll never survive. Yes, here is a woman who I 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 know it! I will permit her to see clearly the things I see…cruelty, ignorance, prejudice…and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day, because she is doing my work as surely as if she were here by my side.”

“And what about her patron saint?” asks the angel, pen poised in mid air.”

God smiles, “A mirror will suffice.”

Trig, I believe that reflection in the mirror, your mom, is the future of our country. I’m here to help !