|
Most women become mothers by accident, some by
choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. This year nearly
100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder
how mothers of handicapped children are chosen? Somehow I visualize God
hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care
and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a
giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her
Gerard. He's used to profanity."
"Forrest, Marjorie; daughter. Patron saint,
Cecelia."
"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint,
Matthew."
Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles,
"Give her a handicapped child."
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's
so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give
a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be
cruel."
"But has she patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or
she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment
wears off, she'll handle it."
"I watched her today. She has that feeling of
self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the
child I'm going to give her has her own world. She has to make her live in her
world and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in
you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect -she
has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that
a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from
the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will
bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to
be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'". She will never
consider a "step" ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first
time, she will be present at a miracle, and will know it!"
"I will permit her to see clearly the things I
see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She
will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her
life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".
"And what about her Patron saint?" asks
the angel, his pen poised in mid air.
God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."
|