Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Disabled Children

I think sometimes our bodies tell us we're stressed when we don't even realize we are. Me? I get sores in my mouth. I've had as many as seven at one time. Painful sores. They hang around for a week or two. Not much helps them go away.

Today I have four.

I live a good, blessed life. What do I have to be anxious about?

These are words I repeat to prevent myself from overreacting to situations I'd rather not be a part of. 

This week a lady told me I had a disabled child. This was news to me... And then someone else told me I had two disabled children. Same week.

Stop.

I don't.

I don't want to.

It would be easier if my children were visibly disabled, right? Down Syndrome is a disability that everyone can see. Accommodations are made for these children without words ever having to be exchanged. There is an understanding among other mothers and their children: this child is different and this mother is doing the best she can.

I didn't have time to feel angry about my boys needing braces. It was life and still is life. We have gone weekly then monthly to physical therapy for the last 20 months. Well, cheers. Here's to another two years, as the weekly visits resumed this month with Son Number 2.

 

The pictures and videos are sad for me to look back on. But the joy is there too: when he took his first steps ever at 22 months of age, just seconds after receiving his first set of braces. He hated them. But he could walk.

And so now it's business as usual with Jonah. No problem...

But, my baby.

What else is wrong with my baby? 



To all those mothers who look at their disabled child and don't know how to fix them: I am sorry for you. I am saddened with you. I stand by you in that crowded room as we hold our babies high for someone to notice, for anyone to care. 

Who will help our babies in this world?

If we get a diagnosis, what if it doesn't help? What if there is no cure? What if our child will forever have to be accommodated for? How will he survive the humiliation? How will we survive the deprivation of what was supposed to be normal in our lives?

.....

When you have the answers, let me know.

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'"
Isaiah 41:13

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
Proverbs 3:5-6

"The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time."
Psalm 34:17-19

"So be truly glad. There is a wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. it is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."
1 Peter 1:6-7