I've never grown so much as a person as I have since becoming a mom. The kids teach me so much daily about unconditional love, patience, faith and determination to name a few. But, I learn so much through other parents. I see everyday that my situation is great and although it might be hard, it is nothing compared to what others go through. Two people in my now daily life have inspired me more than I can put into words. I would like my blog followers to meet them through me.
First person. Second time mom in her mid twenties, gave birth to a son recently who is such a blessing. She had a very difficult pregnancy with a lot of emotional, heartbreaking news.Throughout our NICU fight she was a huge support and I've only met her one time! She was able to think of me, Ricky and our babies while dealing with her own battles. She taught me so much recently. When I was crying my eyes out because my kids had ROP and Brody had surgery and we were not sure if he would be able to see, she prayed for us and always had the kindest words to say. Little did anyone know, her son would have ROP and be blind because of his retinas detaching. My worrying about Brody's feeding and 100% against a G Button, being frustrated and stressed that he won't eat like a "normal" baby- her son has a G Button. These are just a couple of things that we kind of have "in common" but it has changed my life. Our issues are so minor. Yes, we do have a lot of issues but it has really taught me a valuable lesson. I am not a poor victim and neither are my kids. If you have that mentality you will be paralyzed and I admire this person so much because with all she is going through, she is so strong. Until you have children with "not typical needs" you will never understand the daily, constant battle. Nothing is easy-nothing. You can't just go to the grocery store or give one a bath. You go about it all in a different way.
The second person is our therapist. What a phenomenal woman. She came again today and we got to know each other a lot better. She has only been an OT for 3 years but has a lifetime of experience. Her oldest is 15 and autistic. She has fought for her and fought some more. I thought I was determined, I've got nothing on her. Her other daughter has Cerebral Palsy, is non vocal, can't walk, eat, along with many other challenges. She has done so much for these kids and has got them so far. It is truly amazing. If she went to a Neurologist and didn't agree, she would go to every Neurologist around until she was comfortable with the care. I can not explain to you how exhausting that has to be. It is exhausting for me to take my trio to the specialist they have and I thought I would die when I had to switch Orthopedics. I'm not sure what her beliefs are but God could not have given her a better calling. She is so great at what she does.
These two have encouraged me so much. It is so awesome to see God's work. There is a reason I've met the first mom and we have the therapist we have. I am very positive and have a lot of faith in my life but sometimes I want just for a moment for things to be easy. The lesson: it is easy compared to the struggles of others. I'm talking real struggles.
It is amazing what you will learn and experience if you stop being so self absorbed and change that all about me attitude.
Krista
