It could be worse discussion - more writing

[Guest guest]

This is my favourite piece of writing by Erma Bombeck, it never fails to

bring tears to my eyes!

and

Bilateral cf 24 Jan 2003

www.clubfoot.co.za http://www.clubfoot.co.za/>

HOW GOD SELECTS THE MOTHER OF A CHILD WITH DISABILITIES

by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social

pressures and a couple by habit. Did you ever wonder how mothers of

children with disabilities are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments

for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he

instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

" Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint . "

" Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, Patron Saint Cecilia. "

" Rutledge, , twins. Patron Saint Gerard. He's used to profanity. "

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, " Give her a child with

disabilities. " The angel is curious. " Why this one, God? She's so

happy. "

" Exactly " , smiles God. " Could I give child with disabilities to a mother

who does not know laughter? That would be cruel " .

" But has she the patience? " asks the angel.

" I don't want her to have too much patience, or she will drown in a sea

of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll

handle it. I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and

independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the

child I am going to give her has her own world. She has to make it live

in her world and that's not going to be easy. "

" But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you. "

God smiles. " No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has

just enough selfishness. "

The angel gasps. " Selfishness? Is that a virtue? "

God nods. " If she cannot separate herself from the child occasionally,

she will never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with less

than perfect. "

" She does not realize it yet, but she is to be envied. I will permit her

to see clearly the things I see .... ignorance, cruelty, prejudice ...

and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at

her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my

work as surely as if she is here by my side. "

" And what about her patron saint? " asks the angel, his pen poised in mid

air.

God smiles. " A mirror will suffice. "

Moss

Steps Charity

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