One of the things that puzzles me is how we react to life…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can be so flippant, so callous. We can behave or believe as if some lives are better or worth more than others. Every time I fall or see someone seemingly fall into that shallow societal trap, I sense we are clearly missing out on some beauty or blessing specifically designed for us. There is so much to learn when we see no life as different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of those nothing-short-of-profound blessings happened eighteen years ago today; please oblige a more personal \u2014 albeit meaningful \u2014 post. One of my absolute, most favorite people was born on this day in 2001.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There wasn’t a whole lot of fanfare at the time; in fact, I remember significant worry, as we awaited word of how extensive a life-threatening heart defect would be. I now kind of wonder if the heavenly realms were cheering mightily that day. I couldn\u2019t see it right then. I see more clearly now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It did take some work to shed some of the initial shock and sting; take the geneticist\u2019s words, for example. I don\u2019t doubt he meant well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He walked into labor and delivery, no more than an hour after birth, and began with zero salutation. He simply said, \u201cThis must be the saddest day of your whole life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The blank stare on my face was neither horror nor offense; it simply was a \u201cwow\u2026 you don\u2019t get it…\u201d His words made no sense. A chromosomal condition may not be something one prays for, but every child comes with a few unwished for hurdles. Some hurdles are just a little more obvious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every <\/em>birth is a miracle. Every<\/em> life is a gift. My son is no lesser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So on birthday number eighteen (a day in which his exuberance cannot come close to being contained \u2014 I exaggerate not), <\/em>allow me to share a little more about my amazing young son…<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Josh I have learned much. The reality is that because of Josh, I have grown in ways I otherwise would have not\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2026 through the beauty\u2026 through the blessing\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every life is a gift. AR One of the things that puzzles me is how we react to life… We can be so flippant, so callous. We can behave or believe as if some lives are better or worth more than others. Every time I fall or see someone seemingly fall into that shallow societal trap, I sense we are clearly … <\/p>\n
Respectfully…
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