Today is Marthas second birthday. Its not so hard to believe as much as I cant believe we’ve made it to this point. The first few months of Martha’s life was tumultuous. The days were slow and draining. I’d often hear about how the first year was the hardest. That first year finally came, and it certainly was harder than anything I’d ever done before. A few months later, things were still just as difficult as they had been. But things did settle down, as everyone promised they would. Not that each day is a breeze, but time and effort, routine and patience have allowed our lives to map its grooves more deeply. We’re all used to this unusual set-up that is now our lives. We breathe now. It’s been two years. We did it. We made it through. Alleluia. At birth we didn’t know anything was different about Martha. We knew she was smaller than the boys, that her placenta was quite small, and that her umbilical cord was unusually thin. But she looked so perfect, and I pushed aside any doubts contrary. When I look back, while it would have been extremely helpful to know sooner, to find out about Martha’s syndrome at birth would have been devastating. I’m not ashamed of that admission, but those first few days after Martha’s birth were so full of happiness and joy. To have them clouded by worry, fear, and anxiousness would have tainted that perfection. I’m thankful for my denial in those days, and for the happy welcome Martha had in the family. No one knew the trouble ahead, or the fear that would paralyze us when we just didn’t know. The ignorance was bliss. Today our sweet Martha is saying, “Ma ma ma,” her first sounds. She mimics Michael and vrooms cars on the floor next to him playing. She has a huge smile and the most kissable cheeks. People know about Martha, and they call her by name. They’ll come up to give me a hug, tell me how they pray for Martha, or just share something encouraging. Sometimes I don’t even know who they are. Thank you! Two years ago I didn’t have a care about unknown genetic disorders, and didn’t have any particular affection for those with disabilities. But life brought us to this place, and I’m so proud now to share our journey. May we continue to rise to the cause. Martha, the gift we never thought to ask for. Happy birthday my sweet darling.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 15:25:32 +0000
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