Pam Halter
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Things I've Learned - part two
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 by pam

I love a good T-shirt. Clever sayings, good artwork, something profound – all these things can be found on a T-shirt. Some popular ones claim: “Everything I need to know in life I learned . . . in Kindergarten, from my cat or from Christmas,” using words of wisdom, like:

“Share your toys,” 

“Find a sunny spot for a nap,”

or “Enjoy a cup of eggnog with friends.” 

Total strangers walking past you in the mall can glean this wisdom from your shirt.  
 

What does my “t-shirt” say? What have I learned from autism? I have learned unconditional love. Anna loves me no matter how grumpy or tired I am. I can snap at her for something she has no control over, and she’ll smile and want a hug. I can’t tell you how many times I have hung my head and wept in shame.

Why does it take a mentally disabled child to show me unconditional love? Am I so hard headed God has to bring me to my knees in this way?

Yep.

But it's good because the lesson is eternal. Do I blow it from time to time?  Sure. But I'm thankful God always brings me back to a place of loving Anna. I don't like the situation, but I love my girl.

What have you learned from your special child?


Comments

pam From At 4/9/2013 10:11:52 AM

So true, MaryAnn. Unconditional love makes up for whatever our children may be lacking in the world's eyes. Truly, God is kind in giving them this.

MaryAnn Diorio From New Jersey At 4/9/2013 9:57:18 AM

Dear Pam,

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