As we pulled out of the driveway headed toward swim practice on Thursday morning, Sarah Kate said to me, “You’re a very special mom because you have two kids with disabilities.” I was somewhat taken aback, because although I’ve heard similar sentiments from adults before (see: the always maddening “God gives special children to special people“), I’ve never heard it from a child, must less my own.
I asked her why she said what she did, to which she answered, “God made Nathan and I to be special, and he made you special to be our mom. Nathan and I aren’t JUST kids with disabilities, we’re kids with disabilities who will make a difference in the world.”
I was stunned.
I don’t know if God gave Sarah Kate those words to speak to me, if Sarah Kate’s newfound wisdom is the result of something Mr. Andi and I have done, or if something else altogether prompted her to say what she did. What I do know is that, behind my giant tortoise-shell sunglasses, I wept. And I know, deep down in my heart, that she is right.
I began this blog with no plan. I’m not even completely sure why I chose to make it public, but I did, and while my readership is still small in blogosphere terms, it has grown far beyond anything I ever imagined. I’ve corresponded with people from all over the country (and a few people outside of it) – people who want to discuss, debate, vent, or ask questions. My inbox is ALWAYS open to anyone who has something to say or ask.
I don’t know what’s in store for us as we navigate the typical world with our special needs mantle, but I’m more resolved now than I have ever been to continue on, because I believe with all my heart that Sarah Kate was right – she and Nathan will make a difference.
To all of my readers – thank you for your support of my family and this blog. If you believe that we have something of value to share with the world, please consider commenting on posts, recommending this blog to your friends, liking us on Facebook, following me on Twitter, and spreading the word about the things here that touch you.
If you feel strongly about the r-word, inclusion, prenatal testing, or any other subject covered here, I encourage you to speak up! People will not always be willing to listen; many will reject your words due to their indifference, lack of understanding, or even hatred. Some days the obstacles to greater understanding may seem insurmountable. But we must speak up, because if we allow voices of ignorance and hatred to dominate the conversation, then they become the only voices that the rest of the world hears – the voices that the world will follow.
SK is so right and so grown up!
You are absolutely right about Sarah Kate making a difference in this world – she has always had that special something about her, that something that makes us all pay attention to her and gain strength and courage from her. I do believe she is touched by the Lord in ways that I certainly am not and she has much to share with us.
Nathan speaks with his smile for now, maybe that will always be his gift to us – the ability to smile at everyone and anyone.
SK is a very wise woman and very lucky to have her wonderful family.
Wow, “out of the mouth of babes”… What a gift your Sarah Kate is -full of wisdom and grace and truth. No doubt she is special… but not just for the obvious reasons that the world would point out. And no doubt those ARE God-inspired words… And no doubt you and your husband are ALSO doing something right. I hope she continues to grow up knowing that she has a voice, and that her voice is powerful and unique, beautiful and crucial.
She’s hit me with quite a few “zingers” lately – wise words that I didn’t expect. On Wednesday, we were talking about a girl in her class this year who got picked on a lot and I asked her what she did when the other kids would say things that weren’t nice. She told me that she took up for the girl, and I told her that I was proud of her for doing so and that it won’t always be easy to stand up for what’s right. She immediately said, “Yes, but it’s always better to suffer for doing good than to do bad.”
Love it. Sounds like she’s really grounded in her values.