Friday, May 25, 2007

Lemons......

You know, I have been reading alot lately about how people think having a child with Down Syndrome can bring a family down, and totally ruin their lives.

I must say that every single one of my kids is so special to me. Yet when Rhett was born it just put the icing on the cake. All of the sudden he taught me a great deal about life.

I don't take those little milestones for granted anymore. Not just with him, but with any of my kids. All of those little things, like learning to throw a ball, to brush their teeth, run a microwave, comb their own hair, dress themselves, and even the first time mowing the lawn.

What incredible things to learn how to do. I am amazed at how smart each and every one of my children are.

Before Rhett was born we were always rushing about and completely missed all of the joy in these milestones. We very seldom stopped to look at a butterfly, or to watch a caterpillar inch it's way across the sidewalk. But now things are different.

Rhett has taught all of us not to take the small things for granted anymore. In a flash they can be taken away from you. He has taught us to love freely and deeply.
He has strengthened my marriage with Andy. We now lean on each other for strength, and support.

I celebrate each and every day that I have my children. We now stop to pick a flower, we listen to the birds in the morning before we get out of bed. We hear the crickets chirping outside at night; we all just stop and listen to the beautiful sounds as the sun sets.

Have you ever laid under a tree with your child and watch the leaves move back and forth in the breeze? This is one of Rhett's favorite things to do. We have done it often the last few days.

I have never once thought that this child is a burden. How could I when he has taught me so much. No, I guess we did not have what society would call a "perfect" child.

But I do believe that, "When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade." That is what I have done. I have let my child teach me all about the important things in life. I will be forever grateful to God for sending him to me.

9 comments:

L. Noelle said...

I am so happy to have found your blog today! Where have I been? I would love to link you to mine! I loved reading about you and your beautiful family!

Sara said...

That is so true!!! Nice post

Amy Flege said...

what a great post pam!! we are making lemonade here too!!

Kari said...

Love this post *Kari smiles and sips her Lemonade! :)

jennifergg said...

This is so beautiful, and so true. I feel exactly the same way. Glad you guys are home, and watching leaves!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post! I loved it!

Leticia said...

You remind me of our family, thanks for sharing all those huggable photos of Rhett. I'm adding you to my blogroll.
I was just outside with the girls today, lying on a blanket looking up at the trees, and listening to the birds. Christina, my 5 year old, came over to wrestle with us! What fun!
Ain't life with a T21 grand?!

Anonymous said...

What a WONDERFUL post - you gave me goosebumps.

I, too, am grateful for all Sammy is teaching me. Is it unbearably hard sometimes? Yes. But so worth all of it.

All 4 My Gals said...

Amen sister Amen! God is good!