Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Sweet Message

My mom just told me to read this message that was on another Trisomy 18 blog. I read it and it is so sweet that I want to share it with everyone that checks on Annabel. I know that Jorge and I were blessed with Annabel for a reason. We may not know the actual reason just yet, but I believe we get closer to discovering the reason day by day. She has changed our lives in so many wonderful ways!

THESE MOMS SHARE SPECIAL GIFTS

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," says 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 wear off, she'll handle it. 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 that 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 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, pen poised in midair.

God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."

6 comments:

  1. I am so glad you posted this,Carrie.Thanks to Vera and Brianna's moms for bringing it to our attention. This is so awesome and so true. We don't know why God chooses to give babies like this to parents but He does and always for a definite reason.We love Annabel just as she is and I could never imagine her any other way. She is perfect in our eyes and always will be.All Trisomy babies are a wonderful gift in this not so perfect world we live in.It surely makes us realize what is important in life.Thank God for our wonderful babies.We love you Annabel Leigh and pray for you and all the other special babies out there.
    Meemaw and Pawpaw

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  2. That just brought tears to my eyes..Annabel is such a little miracle!!!! and i have to say you and jorge are the most amazing parents

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  3. i love this story! ALL babies are blessings from our wonderful God, and He has truly blessed baby Annabel to have such wonderful parents who love her unconditionally! U guys are doin great! we love u all!!

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  4. I have often said in conversation with my mom or brother with tears in my eyes "Why them? Why would the Lord want them to go through this?" This story answers my question. You and Jorge are so special to us and we love you, and are absolutely amazed at how great and patient you are. Annabel has blessed each and every one of us, but look how blessed Annabel is! She is one lucky girl! The Lord gave her the most perfect parents.

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  5. That gave me goosebumps and made me teary eyed!

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  6. Said beautifully. The three of you guys are made for eachother! God bless all of you...you're doing a wonderful job and we are all so proud of you. Annabel is a lucky girl to have you guys as parents. And of course you guys are blessed to have such a sweet precious baby girl.

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