Parents Blog
Happy? 26th Birthday, Anna
Monday, May 15, 2017 by pam
So, today is Anna’s 26th birthday. We’ll probably celebrate with McDonald’s cheeseburgers and fries. And people will wish her a happy birthday (which she doesn’t understand) and she’ll get cards (which she totally ignores) and gifts (she’s only interested in the tissue paper) and once again I’ll wonder if I’ve been blessed or cursed.
What parent WANTS a child with special needs? When we’re expecting, do we pray for a sick/disabled child? Of course not!! We want a healthly, whole child. One who we’ll love and care for and teach and prepare for adulthood. That’s normal. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.
Except it’s not for lots of families.
Sure, she’s taught us things. And she blesses almost everyone who meets her. But with every year she gets older, so do I. And everything birthday that passes for her, I wonder if she’ll outlive me. And if she outlives me, how will she understand I’m never coming back? How do you explain death to an 18-month-old child? Who’s not a normal 18 months? I have to depend that God will handle it, as He always takes care of her.
But that doesn’t really help my anxiety when I let myself think about it.
Still, I wished her a Happy Birthday this morning. What else could I do?
Comments
Carol Wills From Smyrna DE At 5/17/2017 4:57:08 PM
Pam you are such an inspiration to so very many that don't have the courage, for fear of being judged or fear of hearing themselves think something that they don't want to think. Every day is a challenge with a special needs child no matter how simple or severe, Thank you for being you. CarolReply by: Pam Halter
Thanks!! ((hugs))Linda Carlblom From Chandler, AZ At 5/16/2017 8:24:41 PM
I love your vulnerability, Pam. Thanks for keeping it real. Anna is blessed to have you even if she doesn't understand the depth of it.Reply by: Pam Halter
Thanks, Linda!Donna Craft From Vinton, VA At 5/16/2017 6:39:23 PM
Someday, when you are seated by the Father and you hear the words we all long for, "Well done", you will know what a blessing you are, not only to Anna, but to Mary and Daryl. You have blessed life and I'm privileged to call you friend. No one could do more for Anna than you and Daryl. Love you.Reply by: Pam Halter
Love you, too!Laura Pierce From Alloway, NJ At 5/15/2017 9:39:35 PM
Anna has most certainly had a "Happy Birthday." She has known another day of unconditional love from her wonderful family. That is something some people never experience. She blesses those that she meets because she is a child of God.Reply by: Pam Halter
Thanks, Laura!Judy P From Winterthur, Switzerl At 5/15/2017 6:14:19 PM
We have to trust that this is part of "The Plan" and I truly believe that there is something to learn from each experience we go thru. Still, my heart would question just like your does.Reply by: Pam Halter
Thanks, Judy.Julie Monzi From Gettysburg, PA At 5/15/2017 8:49:40 AM
Pam, I love your honesty in your blog posts.Reply by: Pam Halter
I know you can totally relate, girlfriend.Candy Abbott From Georgetown, Delaware At 5/15/2017 8:25:54 AM
Pam, this is a powerful blog, and today's message is especially moving. Your transparency and love touches the heart . . . ours and Anna's.Reply by: Pam Halter
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