Thirteen years ago on this Father's day, Christopher was two weeks old and had already lived much longer than any of the doctors expected. His liver was failing, and he had not had a bowel movement since his 1 pound 3 ounce entry into this world. We were concerned that other body parts were also not functioning well. Miraculously, Christopher overcame his liver and bowel concerns together with a host of other complications and is a ray of sunshine warming the hearts of all those around him.
It is ironic to me that before I was blessed to have the opportunity to raise a child with disabilities, I pitied people who I believed were prevented from having a "normal" life because of the time, attention, and limitations that go along with having a family member that is completely dependent on others for the most basic daily demands of life. Now, my mother accuses me of being stingy with Christopher for failing to frequently find time for trips to Grandma's house. I believe any parent should count themselves lucky to have a Christopher in their family.
My perspective on exciting milestones in Christopher's life is also very different than for my other wonderful children. Thirteen years ago, we celebrated when Christopher finally pooped in his diminutive diaper. Today, we praised him for making it almost 48 hours without wetting or soiling his pull-up. It takes a lot of work, but if I pay close attention to him, I understand his communication that it is time to visit the potty. Two days without an accident for Christopher is like my other children being on time for school for two months.
We are blessed to continue to experience miracles and pass milestones in our life even though the path we pursue is not the one anticipated 14 years ago.
It is ironic to me that before I was blessed to have the opportunity to raise a child with disabilities, I pitied people who I believed were prevented from having a "normal" life because of the time, attention, and limitations that go along with having a family member that is completely dependent on others for the most basic daily demands of life. Now, my mother accuses me of being stingy with Christopher for failing to frequently find time for trips to Grandma's house. I believe any parent should count themselves lucky to have a Christopher in their family.
My perspective on exciting milestones in Christopher's life is also very different than for my other wonderful children. Thirteen years ago, we celebrated when Christopher finally pooped in his diminutive diaper. Today, we praised him for making it almost 48 hours without wetting or soiling his pull-up. It takes a lot of work, but if I pay close attention to him, I understand his communication that it is time to visit the potty. Two days without an accident for Christopher is like my other children being on time for school for two months.
We are blessed to continue to experience miracles and pass milestones in our life even though the path we pursue is not the one anticipated 14 years ago.