Monday, October 4, 2010

Why Us?

Why me? Why us? These questions nagged me when waiting for Matthew's chromosome test results after his birth. "I'm not strong enough to handle this," I recall saying in my distressed emotional state. "You'll find the strength," my oldest sister-in-law gently reassured me. It sounded promising. But how?

Without fully realizing it at the time, my family was my strength during the wait and the first few months that followed. I listened to everything positive and leaned on them because all I had was doubt. God doesn't make mistakes. God has a plan which may not be known at the present time. God will reveal it through time.

Over time, the doubt went away. In it's place was strength, as promised. I found it from loving Matthew and caring for him with every breath and wanting only what was best for him. I found it in Bill. I found it in the encouragement offered from extended family. I found it in supportive old friends. I found it within the large network of families who have kids with Down syndrome. That's how I found strength.

Today, a facebook friend posted inspiring words that ring so true for me. I consider it the answer to my "Why me? Why us?" questions.
‎"God doesn't give children with special needs to strong people; He gives children with special needs to ordinary, weak people and then gives them strength. Raising a child with special needs doesn't TAKE a special family, it MAKES a special family."

8 comments:

Elissa said...

That quote is wonderful! Would you mind if I reposted it on my blog as long as I give credit for it to your blog or your friend?

Anonymous said...

Yes - an excellent quote. Many parents resent the saying - He only gives what we can survive (paraphrase).

Barbara

Ria said...

@Elissa, I don't mind at all. I borrowed it from a friend myself. Thanks for asking though. :-)

@Barbara, I like the quote. The fact that other parents may not just proves to me how much diversity there is in life, even within the same circle of friends. Makes life so interesting. ;-)

Rochelle said...

Well said love the quote

M.Hilton said...

Wow, I love that quote! Thanks!

Elisabeth said...

What an excellent quote! Thanks for sharing.

To Love Endlessly said...

whoa, that is awesome! I'd like to steal this too..may I?

Ria said...

@Rochelle, @Mer, @Elisabeth, glad you like it too.
@Patti, sure!