The Special Mother

Have you ever wondered how mothers of disabled children are chosen?

My favorite poem for you…

The Special Mother written by Erma Bombeck

“Did you ever wonder how mothers of disabled children were chosen? Somehow, I visualize God hovering over the earth selecting his instruments of propagation with great care and deliberation.

As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger. “This one gets a daughter. The Patron saint will be Cecelia” “This one gets twins. The Patron saint will be Matthew” “This one gets a son. The Patron saint…...give her Gerard. He’s used to profanity.”

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles. “Give her a disabled child”. The angel is curious. “Why this one God? She’s so happy” “Exactly,” smiles God.

“Could I give a disabled 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 sorrow 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. 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 won’t 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 any ‘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 and 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 midair. God smiles “A mirror will suffice.”

– Erma Bombeck

Moms and dads, we will see ignorance, cruelty and prejudice…and we will rise above.

We will be envied. We will take nothing for granted.
And we will create a world for our children to live in.
Truer words have never been written.

Sending all of my love, respect, hope, and gratitude to the parents I get to walk alongside in this life. It’s an honor to have you here with me.

We will change the world for these kids. We will make it a better place. I truly believe that.

We are the lucky ones. Because we have been given the gift of sight. Our eyes opened.

SHOP HERE

To purchase the absolutely adorable Coop's Troops hats from Willow Clothing Co. click here. Christine will donate 10% of the hat purchase to my nonprofit, The More Than Project. Yay!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Autism Mothers and Caregivers Retreat (Florida)

May 19 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Els for Autism Auditorium Jupiter, Florida

Join parent/advocate Kate Swenson of Finding Cooper’s Voice and author of Forever Boy as she reflects back on her family's journey though an autism diagnosis, early intervention, school services, and the emotional toll these processes can take on a family. Kate will discuss her transformation she made not only as a parent, but as a person, and the support parents need from professionals, family, and educators to help their family adjust to this new chapter of life. A brief Q&A with Kate and special guests, Liezl Els, autism mom and Founder of Els for Autism in Jupiter, Florida and Pam Minelli, autism mom and Founder of the Autism Project of Palm Beach County.

The evening will conclude with a meet and greet, book signing, refreshments, and vendors at the The Els Center of Excellence, O’Donnell Pavillion.

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There is still time to order Forever Boy for Mother’s Day.