At one time...
we feared these hands would struggle to write...
we prayed for a few scribbles on paper, on the sidewalk, on the floor--anywhere...
we worked and pushed and worked some more.At one time...
we feared these little legs might never make it to the top...
and that these little feet might struggle to run.
God has been so gracious to us. He has heard our cries, supported our efforts, calmed our fears. We gave this girl back to him and he has kept His arms around her.
My daughter has brain damage. Mild though it is, two words no mother ever wants to hear. There have been times, in the past few months, that I have looked at her and my heart has been broken for fear of how hard her future might be. So I stretched her, pushed her, and made her be tough. And then I rocked her, kissed her, picked her up for the thousandth time, and helped her try again. And I prayed...over her, with her, around her, for her. Her character is being shaped. She knows what it is to persevere. She knows what it means to succeed. She has spunk, vigor, attitude...she also knows what it means to love. To kiss and be kissed, to hug and be hugged. She knows the difference between a firm hand and tender moment. She knows we love her and we'll never give up on her.
And so, as this leg of her life journey comes to an end I realize it's closing much sooner than I had ever anticipated. And while I'm grateful for some of these struggles to be behind us I'll never regret that we went through them.
Because as a mother my character has been shaped. I know what it is to persevere. I know what is means to succeed. My spunk, vigor & attitude have been revived several times over...I have also been reminded what it means to love. To kiss and be kissed, to hug and be hugged. I have learned the difference in parenting between a firm hand and a tender moment. I love my children and will never give up on them.
Praises for a merciful Father who feels the same way.
My daughter has brain damage. Mild though it is, two words no mother ever wants to hear. There have been times, in the past few months, that I have looked at her and my heart has been broken for fear of how hard her future might be. So I stretched her, pushed her, and made her be tough. And then I rocked her, kissed her, picked her up for the thousandth time, and helped her try again. And I prayed...over her, with her, around her, for her. Her character is being shaped. She knows what it is to persevere. She knows what it means to succeed. She has spunk, vigor, attitude...she also knows what it means to love. To kiss and be kissed, to hug and be hugged. She knows the difference between a firm hand and tender moment. She knows we love her and we'll never give up on her.
And so, as this leg of her life journey comes to an end I realize it's closing much sooner than I had ever anticipated. And while I'm grateful for some of these struggles to be behind us I'll never regret that we went through them.
Because as a mother my character has been shaped. I know what it is to persevere. I know what is means to succeed. My spunk, vigor & attitude have been revived several times over...I have also been reminded what it means to love. To kiss and be kissed, to hug and be hugged. I have learned the difference in parenting between a firm hand and a tender moment. I love my children and will never give up on them.
Praises for a merciful Father who feels the same way.
4 comments:
What a thoughtful post! It's amazing how the tough times grow us, isn't it?!
And to tell you the truth, I thought at the beginning that you would have a picture of her coloring on the wall or something--and reflecting back to when you didn't know if she would be able to ever even write! chuckle
What a lucky girl Natalee has to have such a super Mom and Dad....she couldn't fail if she tried. Great post!
Andrea
well that was a nice little cry before i hit the sack. i am so happy for you guys and that she has had so much support!
Jenn,
I'm constantly amazed at your strength and faith. I never once heard you say anything close to "why us?" or "we can't handle this". Natalee couldn't be in better hands with you pushing, guiding, and loving her! So happy to hear that she just keeps breaking through the hurdles put before her.
Post a Comment