Our 1 1/2 year old son has been having health issues, and we are in the throes now of 2nd-tier genetic testing. It basically means that they're looking again for a genetic cause for his numerous health problems. We've been here before. It's a lot of waiting. It's interesting, though, how going through this process has changed us.
Earlier this year, when the doctor recommended seeing a geneticist for chromosomal abnormalities, I could hardly make it to the parking lot before bursting into tears. The words scared me to death. 8 months later... my husband and I feel ready (as ready as you can be) for a possible genetic abnormality.
Ironically, we often wonder if our son's health struggle has been more about changing others than even him. You see, so many people have prayed for him -- people who don't normally pray at all -- that we wonder if it's his destiny to be the conduit to bring them to Jesus Christ. One friend wrote: "your [son] has deeply affected my wife and I in the way we think about and pray to the Lord. It's been a bit awkward and somewhat difficult for me to construct this message to express these thoughts and feelings. You can rest assured that all of your friends pray daily for you and your family, even those of us whom you (and probably the Lord) would least expect." Wow.
Our son's health problems have also changed US. We participated in the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk this year (awesome experience). We wept as we saw the father pushing his profoundly disabled daughter in the Marine Corps marathon last weekend. We are helping to purchase wheelchairs for people around the world through World Vision. We love our mailman -- who struggles with a physical impairment -- more than ever. In essence, we have had our eyes opened to the beauty, the joy, and the love that people -- all people, regardless of their health or lack thereof -- can bring to this world. We have our wonderful son to thank.
Kisses,
Lucy Pevensie
Dear Lucy,
Our experience, too. When our daughter was born with Down Syndrome, I prayed for God to heal her. The good Lord made it clear that I was the one who needed to be healed.
People sometimes refer to her as 'an angel'. Her shenanigans daily remind us it is not so according to the sentimental definition. But 'angel' comes from the Greek which means 'messenger from God'. That has certainly proven true.
With love and solidarity,
Beth
Posted by: Beth | November 02, 2006 at 06:47 PM
Our Emily has Cockayne's syndrome - it is terminal. She is 4 1/2 years old, this is 4 years more than we were supposed to have with her. We love her with everything we have. I caught myself the other day saying..."she is so broken, she is so perfect."
Mystery. Glory. Gratitude. Sadness. Love.
Thanks for sharing your story,
Didymus
Posted by: Didymus | November 03, 2006 at 04:02 AM
Didymus,
I can't imagine what you have faced with your daughter's illness. I am so sorry that she has to carry that burden, and you as well. It is clear that she is in a very loving home -- the right place -- and I pray that you and your wife will have all the strength you need to walk through this journey.
Thank you, Beth, for your continued encouragement. Your daughter's picture hangs in our kitchen, and she is an inspiration to us.
Posted by: lucy pevensie | November 03, 2006 at 05:38 AM