To all of you that are so strong...

[Minnesota!]

I have a god daughter that is 3.5 years old. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 9 months and went through 4 subsequent surgeries as the tumor kept coming back. They said that she would die within the year. Well, she is a sassy little almost 4 year old now who is in remission. I have donated money every year to Make a Wish and American Cancer Society in her name. I have seen what her parents go through. It is heartrenching.

I just wanted to applaud all of you for living your life everyday, and even though things may not be how you envisioned them to be, you are a better person because of how they are. You mean the world to those that you have touched - be it you or your child or you spouse that has the disability.

I just wanted to remind all of you that life is short, and we should not dwell on the disabilities, but the abilities. And, I give each and everyone of you my heartfelt thanks and a BIG hug for making life so much better by helping people that need it and by educating people that are not in the know about how able disable persons really are. You are all truly miracles.

Have a great night..

 

[SueM in MN]

Thank you, Minnesota. What very nice thoughts.
So glad to hear your little god daughter is doing well now and pixie dust for continued remission.
Those of us who have children with disabilities have to laugh sometimes to keep from crying. I was depressed this summer because my youngest DD just turned 16 and she's learning to drive a power wheelchair when other kids her age are learning to drive a car. There are things she will never have or never be able to do, but each thing she can do is a blessing and we constantly try to celebrate her abilities rather than her disabilities (even if it means I have to clean eggs off the floor because she was trying to make scrambled eggs by herself).
Seeing how hard she has to work to do something I can do without thinking makes me think about how easy I have it. And I am happy that I have a DD who will keep trying even when it is difficult for her. Working in a hospital, I see how quickly and easily and totally life can change. I take nothing for for granted and am happy with what I have.
I also have been blessed to have an older DD who loves her sister (even if some days her behavior is far from easy) and will make sure always that she is taken care of. I am blessed.

 

[teri]

Thank you. Some days we don't feel so strong... but we make it through.

{{{hugs}}}

 

[SueOKW]

We have learned - and appreciate life around here every day. Certainly not every minute of every day... but... we've learned. Sure puts things in perspective.

Thanks also for the reminder of just how strong we really are. We forget that sometimes, because most of the time we feel so weak and tired. I suppose those are all internal feelings though, and no one can see them. (Which is a very good thing!!) My mother always used to tell me, no matter how down you feel, keep smiling. Eventually your smile will creep into your heart and fool yourself into feeling much much better.

And very glad to hear about your god daughter - long may her remission continue.

Sue

 

[Piglet]

Thanks, Minnesota! I really needed that today.

My daughter started 4 year old kindergarten in September and has begun to realize that she is different than other kids and has started asking why. She wants to know why does she have to have this Disease and why does she have to stop and take her medicines at school when other kids don't. It is really hard for me to find a good answer for her that she understands. I want her to like herself. She is a very special child and I love her just the way God gave her to us.

Thanks for the reminder, because today I forgot.

Melinda