The Very Special Gift

Today was one of those days I needed a little reminder and I got it when I logged on.  I took M for her AFO fitting today and brought home yet another piece of equipment.  These very cute, very tiny pieces of plastic will hopefully help prevent my little baby's legs and feet from becoming more deformed.  It was an easy appointment and in the whole realm of what we've dealt with, it was really, totally nothing.  However, I brought home these little plastic molds and while trying to decide where they would "live" when not on the gloriously cute chubbies that are M's legs, I was reminded again just how much special "stuff" we have.  Equipment is truly taking over our house.  I'm not complaining, quite the contrary, I'm grateful we have it available to us.  It was just one more thing to find a spot for.  It was another reminder that likely we will spend the rest of M's life juggling equipment.  We currently have a wheelchair, a tumbleform, a bath seat, 4 McKie splints, a Little Room, a nebulizer, a drawer full of central line supplies, and a cupboard full of medications and syringes.  In three weeks we'll have her Benik trunk support.  A little over a year ago I never would've thought I'd ever own ANY of these things.  Heck, I'd never heard of some of these things.  So, here we are - thankful to have the best care and the best equipment for our girl, but wondering how much more we can fit in the house. 

I digress - I saw this posted on a fellow mom's blog and it's one I've not read before.  Of course, as is the case with everything these days, it brought tears to my eyes and reminded me just how LUCKY we are to have our two precious blessings in our lives.

The Very Special Gift
By S. Guevara

Once upon a time, three angels were busily working in the miracle

factory. They were responsible for wrapping up all the little

miracles and sending them on their way. Normally they wrapped each

one in bright, sturdy paper with big, shiny ribbons. They stamped

them with a delivery date and away they would go to the parents who

eagerly awaited their arrival. Things usually ran pretty smoothly.

One day, however, down the conveyor belt came a little miracle that

made the angels pause. "Oh my," said the first angel "this one's

uhm...well...different." "Yes, she is unique" said the second

angel. "Well I think she is quite special," said the first angel "but

I don't think she will quite fit our standard wrapping procedures."

And the second angel added, "And we know she's special, but will

everyone else?" "Not a problem," said the third angel "obviously a

special miracle deserves extra special wrapping; and of course we'll

send her off with our most heartfelt blessings. Then everyone will

see how special she is." "What a wonderful idea!" replied the others.

So they searched the shelves high and low for their finest paper, and

their most delicate ribbons.

When they were done, they stood back and admired their

work. "Beautiful!" they all agreed. "Now for our blessings," said the

third angel "for it is time for her to go." "I will bless her with

innocence and happiness," said the first angel. "And I will bless her

with strength to face the many challenges that lie ahead" said the

second angel. "And I will bless her with an inner beauty that will

shine on all who look upon her" said the third angel. Before sending

her off the third angel, who was very wise, gently tucked a note

inside.

And it said,

"Dear Parents:


Today you have received a very special gift. It may not be what you


were expecting and you may be disappointed, angry and hurt. But


please know that she comes with many blessings. And, while there may


be pain, she will bring you much joy. She will take you on a very


difficult journey but you will meet many wonderful people. She will


teach you patience and understanding and make you reach deep inside


yourselves to find a source of strength and faith you never knew you


had.  She will enrich your lives and will touch the hearts of all who


meet her.  She may be fragile but she has great inner strength.

So please handle her with care. Give her lots of attention and shower


her with hugs and kisses. Love her with all your heart and she will


blossom before your eyes. Her spirit will shine like the brightest


star for all to see and you will know that you are truly blessed." 

Amen