Into a family a child is born with a disability. There is a difference in that child that is perceived as an inconvenience to the family. Others around them pity the family and wonder how life will be affected for this family. But somehow this family deals and they learn to live with the disability. Life goes one and as it goes on, this child, this disabled child who was an inconvenience to the family now brings so much love and joy and spiritual growth to the family. What is a family but love and support for one another. And as we face our trials we grow from the experiences and the sacrifices that we make for one another.
A month or so ago, I witness such a family. I work in a hospital and as I was leaving that day after a long 13 hour shift, I watched this scene play out in the elevator for 7 floors worth of enlightening viewing. As the elevator opened on the 7th floor, in enters a family of a Mom in a wheelchair, three adult kids and one teenage child with Down Syndrome who just happened to be the one pushing the Mom in the wheelchair into the elevator. Such joy was on this child's face as she was able to assist her Mom and push her into the elevator. Pure giggles eluded from her the whole way down the 7 floors as she was being cheered on by her siblings. I looked at the faces of the adult children and could see the pure love they felt for this "disabled" sister. Looks that showed such approval and love and joy. As the door opened onto the busy lobby, the child saw the waiting crowd and a look of worry showed on her face. One of the brothers said sweetly to go ahead he would keep the doors open and turned to the entering crowd and asked everyone to give her a minute. How simple it would have been to step in and relieve this child of the task of maneuvering through the crowds. How quickly the joy of the accomplishment of helping Mom would have left this child. As the family wheeled away from my sight, I could hear the giggles of the child and see the love of the siblings as they exited the hospital.
For what if is worth, I think that this child is a blessing to this family.
21 comments:
I love the story! Boy does it make you think. I have a good friend who has a little sister with downs and she is such a wonderful girl. I have never heard any negative words spoken about her. If anything she gives the family a new outlook on life. If you ask they they are the lucky ones for having her!
Lisa, that is so true!
One of my all-time favorite kiddos is a little guy with DS. His parents were amazing people before his birth and are even more amazing after.
Little Charlie has taught those around him a lot more about love and compassion than we could ever teach him.
Beautiful thoughts!
Such a beautiful story.
Great story.
That's a beautiful post, Lisa.
Lisa, I work with children with various special needs. I love "my kids". I try to remind people as nicely as I can, that I can't fix my students because I don't think of them as broken!
Great post!
maryellen
I love stories like this..Thanks for making my eyes water
BEAUTIFUL...
When a little girl was born with DS to a family at our church and was having some cardiac problems, another woman I talked to about it actually suggested it would be better for the family if the child simply died. I was incredibly offended and hurt that someone would think such a thing, let alone verbalize it. I assured her that with every family of a DS child I've ever worked with, they've come to treasure their children and literally wouldn't change a thing.
There is something so special, so Christlike, about children and adults with Down Syndrome. I've tried to talk Curtis into adopting a DS child several times, but so far, no luck. There are many available, especially in Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Tana
that is such a wonderful story, thanks for sharing it with us!!
What a beautiful story. I love the angel in the picture! My cousin's daughter has DS, she is amazing!
Beautiful story.
Bravo to the older brother. What a seriously major guy!!!! My niece has DS and is only two months older than my 20 month old daughter. While I am thrilled that my sister has stepped up to the challenge and the two older kids are wonderful to her, her father keeps comparing her to Scooter the "normal one" as he calls her. It drives me insane...seriously, angrily insane. Now he has told my sister he wants another child. One that isn't impaired. It's not fair to him for his only child to be deformed. So she's pregnant again God help her. Why oh why can't homicide really be justifiable??? Ally has been a blessing to us all. Well at least to the rest of us..we have all learned so much about patience and perserverence (sp?). She has surpassed every expectation and goal with flying colors. She really is amazing.
What a wonderful story!
Amazing what love and respect can do for people.
Keep smilin!
My best girlfriend's first child (she now has 1 more and 1 due next month!) was born with Downs... it was a surprise and yes, a shock.
For about 5 minutes.
Audrey is my goddaughter and Eva's best friend... and a blessing to all of us.
Great post!
That is a beautiful post filled with much truth and love.
Oh, that's a lovely story. They are lucky to have such a sweetie.
So glad that you shared that.
I think the child is a blessing to this family also.
you are so right!
What a moving and beautiful post!!!:)
~Dawn
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