I couldn't decide what to name this post, so I just started listing some of my feelings. This entry is to address what's been filling my heart as of late. While looking at a friend's blog, I happened upon another blog belonging to someone I didn't know. Her name is Kele and she actually has two blogs: one to chronicle the journey of her whole family, and another to specifically chronicle the journey of her youngest daughter, Presley, who is a beautiful 6-month-old butterfly with Down Syndrome. Kele's entries are beyond beautiful...they touch my heart in a way that it hasn't been touched in a long time. The grace with which she, Presley, and their entire family handle what has God has sent their way is beyond measure. And because of her unique situation, she is part of a gorgeous circle of families whose children are battling a life threatening disease or are in some way not typical (I have no idea how to be politically correct...that seems to be the term most often used by the families themselves).
So I've found myself reading about these other families, through Kele's blog. And I can honestly say that I've prayed more in the last couple weeks than I have in a long time. I have prayed for these families to receive balms for whatever ails their hearts the most...for daughters to be extubated, for sons to see daylight for the first time, for brothers to meet their siblings, and for sisters to enjoy their mom's kisses, because they may be the last. I have also prayed uncountable prayers of gratitude. For my own healthy little girl; for my healthy nieces and nephews; for my rock of a husband; for my family. I've even said thank you for the insight I've gained from losing my mom...I would give anything to have her back, but I can not deny that it has made me stronger and more empathetic.
After reading through some of the blogs, I went back to my own and saw my post about Delilah's first fever. At first, I was ashamed...I felt so embarrassed for making such a fuss over a little infection and a couple bandages. And then I realized that my feelings were valid...I was scared for her, and I was heartbroken that she had to get shots and a catheter. But rather than waste time being ashamed, I realized I could take those feelings, multiply them by a factor of about a million, and perhaps start to have the very tiniest idea what an indescribable mountain these other mothers and fathers are shouldering.
I wish I could meet each of these families and do something to make their lives easier. I do not feel sorry for them b/c who am I to dole out pity where it may not even be wanted? But I do FEEL for them...I feel joy, sorrow, love...I feel faith, hope...I feel like this is a better world b/c of these families.
I am not posting links to any of these families b/c I haven't asked permission. But I invite you to pray for any family whose children are suffering...in particular, please pray for Kele and Presley. Presley has been in the hospital since she was born over six months ago...pray for her to go home soon. I try to imagine Delilah having never been home, and still not coming home for the next two months, and my heart stops. It just stops and I can not breathe.
Thank you, Kele, for opening my eyes and enriching my heart. Despite the hardships Presley has gone through and will continue to go through, she will grow up knowing that she is blessed to have you for a mother.
And thank you, God, for allowing me entrance into this other world and way of life. I do not know yet what I will do with these lessons I'm learning, but I promise they will not be in vain.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
How lovely, Rachael. I love your spirit and empathy so much.
I think about these types of issues sometimes - about whether I would be someone strong enough to deal with a child who wasn't typical and I am often ashamed to think that I am not.
These families are blessed to have your prayers...
Rachel, I haven't been online to read blogs in the last few days, time at the hospital has prevailed. So tonight as I found a bit of time to play 'catch up' and look at a few of my favorite blogs, I noticed your post.
I am very touched by your kind words. Prayers are always appreciated, as this fight my Lil butterfly is on is much bigger than anything I can 'fix'. I believe in the power of prayer and I have to continue to believe in the Lord, even on days when the evidence of His presense seems sparce.
Today was not the greatest and so stumbling across your kindness served me well. Thank you, truly.
We've been praying for Presley too!
Isn't she just the cutest thing ever!
What a wonderful post & a great reminder to be thankful for so many things. God is good, and the blessing of you & others' prayers are no doubt felt by this family.
Rachael!! I read your post and couldn't help be affected. I'm not sure if you know, but my oldest brother, Tony, has Down Syndrome and I just felt that I wanted to share a bit of Tony's story with the hope that it might provide some hope and perhaps, a light at the end of the tunnel!
Tony was in the hospital for, I believe it was the first 14 months of his life...and there he celebrated his first birthday, Christmas, etc. I know my parents were really scared. It was their first child; my mom was new to Canada; her and my dad were just recently married and my mom was without any family in Canada, other than my dad of course. In fact, it was b/c of this that my grandmother w/ her two other kids, moved here from Italy.
All that to say, that my brother is now a thriving and, for the most part, healthy 34 yr old when they weren't sure he'd live past his first year!
Having Tony in our lives has definitely always been a blessing, but it's also always felt normal too. He will always require a little extra attention, but is definitely able to lead an active, productive lifestyle and is still quite capable of getting on my nerves like all good siblings do!! ;)
I feel for the families you mention for sure and what I want to share with them that they perhaps don't know yet, is that they hold the potential to really make a difference and that is truly very special!
I'll be praying for them too!
xoxo, Franca
Thanks, Franca! I did know about Tony...I'm so happy that you shared your story. Thank you for that.
Rachel, such lovely comments.
But I was checking in tonight to see if you had anything new going on. Are we blog-slackin' these days? LOL! Could sure use some new pics or update on the little lovely Delilah...not to stalk you or anything, but it has been a while. HeHeHe!
Post a Comment