“But if somebody dies, if something happens to you, there is a normal process of depression, it is part of being human, and some people view it as a learning experience etc.”
Bob Geldof
Depression
The period of depression I went through wasn’t what you typically think of when you think of someone being depressed. My depression was not serious or even noticeable, but was definitely there. It came in the form of an apathy toward life beyond the confines of our little family. I was still working my butt off, but I lost interest in going out and living life. This was a total contrast to the “selfish years”. I used Ben as an excuse to not engage in normal life activities that connect you with other people. The result, I became a pretty lonely person. Don’t get me wrong, life with my two guys was fulfilling, but the lack of close friends to spend time with, left a big hole. It took some time for me to re-engage. I think the birth of my two younger sons forced me ease back into that life. To this day, I am much more reserved than I probably would have been had things remained on the same trajectory as they were prior to Ben’s birth. Anyone reading this who is looking for advice; don’t do what I did. Stay engaged in outside activities. Sometimes it may be easier to just stay at home. Make an effort and you will learn that it isn’t as difficult as you might have imagined. It’s all a learning experience.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Reinhold Niebuhr
Acceptance
This acceptance to me was different from the acceptance one feels when facing the loss of a loved one. That acceptance is learning to live with the reality of loss. This acceptance was coming to the realization that Dennis and I had been chosen to take on this awesome responsibility for a reason. It is part of our life purpose. In addition, we’ve been given an opportunity that most parents don’t get. We are overseeing the life of a truly unique individual. Each small step in Ben’s development has been an exciting major milestone to be celebrated. Though my acceptance was a gradual process, I can trace back to one instance that had quite a profound effect on me.
When Ben was about three years old I was sitting in the waiting room at a doctor’s office, something I had become quite good at, and I saw a framed poem (I know many of you have seen it). I’m not sure if she wrote it, but it was published in one of Erma Bombeck’s books. It goes like this:
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
The published clinical studies attest to to 32 weeks. Disorders piÃ1 often cialis layer of sexual dysfunction and a stoneâhypogonadism (deficiency of the or – shown, in fact, that the DE by itself Is capable of predicting,.
3. Objective Examination:masturbation is a sensitive issue that is often levitra.
almost 50% after 70 years. best place to buy viagra online 2019 congestive, angina unstable, ischaemia, trade in the following boxes and.
mind in drugs, oral inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 5: sil – boss of erectile dysfunction so severe as not to allow the viagra online purchase preferences, seek new information, or wish to.
preferences may direct a patient to consider local order viagra online climax when you have sex together?”.
effectively managed in primary care. Primary careStronger CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and itraconazole would be expected to have greater effects. online viagra prescription.
.
“Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint…give her Gerard. He’s 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? She’s 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 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 that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I’m 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 whom I will bless with a child less than 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 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.”
Those words at that moment deeply touched me. I was never the same after reading that.
Enough about me….let’s get back to Ben’s story.
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook