January 3, 2010

God Chooses A Mom for A Disabled Child

There are many poems and stories out there about and for special children and their caretakers....many of them I do not care for, but this one makes me smile.

God Chooses A Mom for A Disabled Child
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, Matthew.

"Forrest, Marjorie; daughter; patron saint, Cecelia.

"Rudledge, Carrie; twins; patron saint.... give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child 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 too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and Independence. She'll have to teach the child to 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, there is a woman I will bless with a child less then perfect. She doesn't 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 know it! When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.

"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 she is here by my side."

"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in midair.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

3 comments:

  1. I love this poem and haven't seen it in awhile. Would you mind if I post it on Natalie's page too? I LOVE all of the new pics of Rachel. She is so cute and getting so big. You guys are doing a great job!!! <3
    -Lori-

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  2. That IS beautiful Maggie and I believe so true!

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  3. I have kept John's email to me about the birth of Rachael and finally had a chance to catch up on all your news since her birth. She is a beautiful little girl, and you two are wonderful parents. You have so much to give, and there is so much she will teach you about life, love, perfection and perceptions. My godchild, Alison, born with spina bifida, will turn 40 this year. So much of what you have experienced is familiar. You should share your blog with a publisher, Maggie. It's a wonderful journey. You and Steven are great parents, but will no doubt make a difference to many lives as you make this journey. You all continue to be in my prayers... Joyce Saueracker

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