A few days ago we took my two youngest to the children’s hospital in our city. We were there to find out more information about their recently discovered blood disorder and how it will impact their lives. In the days leading up to the appointment I was having a bit of a pity party for myself, silently saying “Why us again?”
When I was in my twenties I had a warped sense of protection. I felt that if I knew someone who went through something my family would not go through it. I know someone who lost a child therefore we will not. I know someone who got a divorce therefore we will not. I know someone who lost their home therefore we won’t.
Now that I am in my thirties, I realize life doesn’t work that way.
I knew someone who had heart surgery. Well my husband needed it too.
I know someone who had a miscarriage. Well I had one too.
I knew someone who had a stroke. Well my husband had one too.
Our children’s appointment was on a Wednesday at noon. After parking our car, we found our way to the patient waiting room.
We found ourselves sitting in the Blood Disorders and Cancer waiting room.
It was there where I decided to stop sulking and just be thankful.
I saw kids of all ages and races who were ill. Some were wearing masks, some were in the isolation room, some were crying, and some were listless while being craddled by their parents.
These parents had surely asked “Why us? Why my child?”
As I watched my two smiling kids play in the room I felt incredibly blessed and ridiculously lucky.
We will be back to see more doctors and we will continue to worry for a long time.
But for now, my kids are happy, healthy, and home with me.
And that’s all that matters.
It certainly helps to count your blessings in trying times. Hope it’s not too severe, maybe even curable? We’re still wrestling with Andy’s allergies, and Sam too (although to a lesser degree). I have an appointment set up for both of them at an allergist who does laser acupuncture. A few people here have told me they have had very good luck with her. But now we have to go back to Miami for a week to get our resident visas all squared away, so I have to reschedule the appointment. Arrggghh! We were hoping we could have Otto’s mom take all the paperwork in, (and we were told via email by the Consulate that would be okay), but no-can-do when she got there yesterday. They want us in person!
I’m sorry you and the family have to deal with this but you’re right – it’s all about perspective. This week, the memories of September 11th have reminded me how blessed I am.
It IS all about perspective! No matter how bad it seems, there is always someone who has it worse! Way to count your blessings in the midst of your hardship! Love your words.
Healing prayers to your boys, Michelle
It’s all about perspective, isn’t it? I hope that it’s something that the doctors and you and your family are able to work with or through. Glad they are doing well right now.
Best wishes to you and your family.
It is about perspective. When my son was in the NICU I wanted to have a pity party for myself but he was just a feeder and a grower. I was reminded every day as I walked those halls and listened to the alarms beep that there was babies in there fighting for their lives. Blessings show up in unexpected ways – like knowing – it could be much, much worse!
Great perspective! It’s hard to be grateful when face with such scary news. I am praying for you and your family. You are obviously a very strong person and I am in awe of all you have gone through and still manage to find perspective.
wow, that visit would definitely give me some perspective, too.
I’ve been complaining “why us? It’s not fair!!!” for the past week… when we don’t have it as bad as it could be.
Though…P.S. I do believe it’s okay to indulge in a little pity party now and then.
perspective truly is amazing…
when I was preggers and found out my little one had DS and a heart defect that would require surgery I threw quite the pity party for myself and my family…
But after meeting other families that have lost children or had unsuccessful surgery, I know I am truly blessed to *just* have Down Syndrome in our lives…
I think we are all running on the same wave length around here…. only you were a LOT nicer than I was when saying it. Great post.
Kristen @ http://www.alittlesomethingforme.com
I think when your kids are sick, no matter how severe, you’re entitled to a little pity party. I’m sorry to hear about your boys’ disorder, and hope the doctors give you as much information on how to handle the situation as possible.
Stopping by from PYHO
Beautifully said. Thanks for the reminder.
How true – we so often forget how lucky we are and that there really are others out there who have it worse. Good luck as you travel through this journey. You are stronger than you think.
wm
So I have a confession to make….After reading this post I spent an hour blog stalking you by reading all your old entries over the last several months, getting to know you a little better. I have got to say how much of an inspiration you are with your positive attitude and perspecitive in getting through struggles. You are an amazing Woman, Wife and Mother!