I see you. I see the fear, the joy, the anxiety, and the worry washed all over your hopeful face. You have pride for this child beaming from your heart, paired with a fierce protection to uphold the innocence in their souls. Your mental capacity is to the brim as you look back to the past, curious if things should have gone differently, and a slight fear of what their future will look like. You wonder such things as every mother, only magnified times 10.
You think about where they will go to school, or if at all? Which therapy sessions are worth your time? How much should you push your baby to reach their full potential, but not crush their spirits? How you will fit in the doctor appointments? How will you pay for all the doctor appointments? Will your other children feel left out? Will they understand? What will happen when they start puberty? Will they ever be able to get married? Have children? Will they live with you forever? Will they be happy?
Let me take a moment to tell you how precious you are in the sight of God. Your calling is beyond any other and was a hand-sealed assignment for you to bear this sweet challenge of a blessing.
I know all of this. I’ve watched it, lived it, breathed it. I’ve had the privilege of watching my mother care for every detail of my sister’s life. I have seen her tears of frustration when my sister threw a tantrum, as an older child, in the middle of the mall unable to pick her up and carry her out. I have seen the countless hours of teaching her sign language to no avail. I have seen her camp out in my sister’s room for days at a time when she would have seizures. I can look back and see how her heart must have ached not to be able to take me out with my friends so she could mingle with other mothers. How alone she must have felt, yet she never missed a beat.
Having my sister 16 months close in age to me has become the greatest hand God could have ever dealt me. The beauty of giving oneself so sacrificially is admirable and something everyone should get to see.
I know, I know. In saying all these things you will point to the real hero, your child, and talk of all the richness they have bought. I know, I saw this many times.
Your worth is compounded by the efforts you put forth night and day. It’s beautiful, a blessing, and is amazing to watch. My life has forever been changed because of my sister and my mother’s tender heart toward her. So thank you to all who have the God-given privilege and opportunity to care for the sweetest of people.
Less stress, more peace.
A simple, 5 day series with clear, actionable steps you can begin today to become a more peaceful and joyful mom.
Donna Short says
Brittany, I have only had the privilege to see bits and pieces of how dedicated your mom has been in caring for your sister. She is a saint in my eyes and your sister is a precious young woman. I often look at her and wish I could interact with her the way I am able to interact with your other two sisters. However, God decided to make her unique and I know it was His plan. In working with special needs adults, I have learned to see them as a gift from God. There are days in my job that are trying and the childlike nature they possess can frustrate me at times, but then God graciously reminds me that their mental limitations will not allow them to be any other way. I attend a church service for the disabled population on Thursday evenings. When I first began attending, I was amazed at how large the disabled population in Charlotte is. There are more than 300 disabled adults who attend the service. Wow! Then, as I grew accustomed to being there, I got to know some of these precious people and my heart would almost burst with the love that I felt towards them. If you have never watched disabled people worship, it is truly amazing! I have cried tears of joy many times as I look around the room and watch how intently they focus unashamedly on singing and worshipping our Lord! While this is truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of each week, I think it will be so awesome when we get to heaven and they are no longer trapped within their limitations. What a glorious time we will have worshipping Jesus together
Tosha Schiffli says
I have 6 children, 2 are on the Autism Spectrum. Thank you for this post. Both for your recognition of your Mom’s efforts and the positive way you look at your sister’s disability.
Brittany says
Thank you Tosha:)