Day 43
Way back….when Josiah’s backpack was bigger than he was, He was 3 in this picture. Just a tiny boy heading off on a big bus to a big school for PPCD; a special needs preschool program.
Look at his hair and those glasses Look at that little chubby tummy. When we first moved from Ohio to Texas, Josiah was rather chunky. We have a picture of him from December 2005 where he looks much larger than he does here. You probably wouldn’t recognize him. I don’t know what happened but he definitely slimmed down after being here for a short while.
It’s hard to believe Josiah is now 13. Where have 10 years gone? There have been so many changes in his little life over these 10 years, it makes me wonder what the next 10 will bring. It’s probably best not to know. Quite honestly if we had been given a glimpse of what lay ahead for all of us when Josiah was 3, we may have waved the white flag right then and surrendered.
I don’t know about you but I prefer life this way. We get small chunks of challenges here and there with just enough grace to see our way through them. One of my favorite authors, Andy Andrews claims we are all either in a crisis, heading out of a crisis or heading into a crisis. That’s just the way things are.
It’s not what happens to us but how we choose to respond that makes all the difference. I like to think those of us with special needs kids just get lots more practice at responding and hopefully responding well.
Would I have chosen to be the mom of a child with challenges? Selfishly, probably not. I wanted to do something important with my life. I wanted to make a difference in the world and leave a legacy. It did not include giving up everything to give everything to someone who may never even get to say thank you.
I’m so grateful God in His infinite wisdom made the decision for me. Just look at that sweet face. In the hard moments when Josiah is loud or wild, melting down and out of control, I thank God for choosing me to be his mother.
How else would I have ever learned to dream about Bora Bora?
Oh, Sandy…..you make a difference & never forget it~! You have no idea how many lives you have touched w/your articulate rendering of life w/a challenging child. Your legacy? Love and grace! Under pressure your star gleams even brighter……. 🙂
Janet, thank you so much! What a wonderful thing to say. It touched my heart. Hopefully it helps others to know they are not alone. Ultimately we are here to serve. If nothing else, Josiah has taught us that. It’s truly not about what we can acquire or aspire to accomplish in life. It’s much more about how we can love and serve others. Having the opportunity to do that on a daily basis with Josiah makes me feel like the blessed one!
You ARE amazing, special, talented, blessed, and a blessing to those of us who have the honor to call you friend.
Lisa, what a wonderful comment! Thank you so very much. You are so very thoughtful to take the time to encourage me. Greatly appreciate it. Love you my sweet friend!