Tuesday, August 9, 2011

embracing different

There are certain moments in life when you are the audience member to a scenario in which you were once one of the lead actors.

You want to interrupt the story line unfolding before you.

But this is not your script.

You show restraint. You know better. You've been there.

You have to remain silent. For you would not know what your know now unless your drama had it's final scene. No movie ends at the climatic scene. There is always a conclusion.

Good or bad, there is a moral to the story.

So today when I watched a new boy, Josh, enter into the circle of 3-5 year old soccer players on Jack's team warming up, I knew I recognized something familiar.

Photobucket

Difference.

Josh has Down Syndrome.

His mom held her wiggly young daughter in her arms as she fixated on her son's every move. She patiently prompted him to follow directions. She calmly redirected him when he refused to participate. She chased her little one who was not wanting to be held back by her mama when there was a vast field to explore.

Eventually, I watched as her face give way to frustration.

I've been there.

So many times.

I've been that mom losing sleep over whether or not other children (and dare I say, their parents) would accept our oldest son, Luke, for being different since he is a kiddo with Asperger's Syndrome.

I worried excessively about him being prepared for the different world around him, instead of teaching him how unique his ability to see the world around him differently is.

Josh's mom took him home midway through practice today. I know her heartbreak. I know her frustrations. I know her loneliness. I just pray that she'll find the strength to bring him back and realize that he and our children will be better for it.

Much love,
Katie
life rearranged
treeofolive

*please forgive phone pic. : )

26 comments:

April said...

i will pray for her as well friend!
xoxo

The French Bird said...

I can only imagine, my friend.. Praying for her as well... I'm so glad you shared this, it can be such a blessing for a mamma that is going through the same.. sometimes all we need is to feel that we''re not alone and that someone understands where we're at...

xoxoxo

Pame

Michele said...

Thanks for sharing Katie. Sometimes you only get it if you've had to live it. You have such a good heart.

Rachael said...

so sweet that God has given you a ministry to encourage others.

Amico Dio said...

This just warmed my heart today. I do hope she brings him back. This was so sweet!

Heather @ we.are.the.holdens said...

Yes.. I hope she comes back too. And how awesome that you'll be waiting there for her.. thank you for sharing this :)

The Olive Tree Blog said...

so sweet. I have to tell you I worked in public schools pre-kiddos and it is amazing how kind, and un-judgmental, and willing kids are to help those who might be "different". It is sad to see how this changes as we grow to adults. It makes me sad to think how many amazing people we might truly miss out on knowing. p.s. have I told you how awesome I think you are?

ashley marie wilson said...

this is beautifully written katie!! you are so full of compassion!!! it was a blessing though that you saw it and can interced and pray on her behalf.

xoxo
Ashley
http://laluceimagery.blogspot.com

{cuppakim} said...

i love that she was brave enough to TRY.
praying she and josh and her other little one make it back there.

i'm sure YOU are there as well for a reason.
praying for that too.

hannah said...

what a beautiful thing, katie. that you recognized this family's need for understanding. i love how god softens our hearts to be filled with compassion for others we identify with. even our discomforts and frustrations can be used to praise jesus!
so thankful this mama has you in her corner. praying she comes back so she can learn that she has a true friend to lean on!

Jessica Johnson said...

been there, too! love your heart. i will pray for that family, too. and i think it's awesome that the Lord has brought this family into your life. even if just for a "season..." ;)

minihousemightyhearts said...

Wow that almost made me cry! What a wonderful thing it is to have these little children, and to be there for one another. Beautiful post!

Susan said...

Katie,
You must have the biggest heart of anyone I've ever "known". I teared up reading this and honestly, the way you wrote the post had me feeling the uneasiness of being there watching that poor mama.
My son/daughter do not have special needs and still - there are times you wish you could just step in and take over. Make them comfortable in a situation. So hard not to.
xo

Janna said...

Wow! I can relate. Totally. To both sides of this scenario - the star of the show and the audience member.

Alyss said...

This is beautiful. I pray she comes back, too. For little Josh and for herself. It will be nice to have someone like you to relate to her.

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

What a great source of support you would be to Josh's mom. A great post to help all of us to remember what a difference we can be to those around us. There are times that we each need someone in our "corner" lending support and friendship.

Blessings & Aloha!
I am visiting from Christina's Devotional Wednesday...

kinze said...

just wanted to let you know i just read you about us story ... and wow ... crazy how God is so good even through all of our trials ... so many great and encouraging points in your story ... thanks for opening up a piece of your heart and sharing!

girl willow said...

Oh that our eyes...and hearts would always see the struggles of others and lift them up! Sadly so many would have seen this scenario play out and would have judged. Love your heart and the picture you painted in this story :)

likeschocolate said...

I have been in her shoes. Not because my son has Downs, but sensory integration disorder. Most people do not no what this is and even if I tried to explain would most really understand. They just past judgement on him and our family as if we were uncaring parents who didn't displine our child. Many quick to offer advice instead of a kind word of encouragement, so I hope if you see this mom again you will extend your support to her. We all need to hear a voice of encouragement on this difficult road of life and parenthood. On another note, I am still waiting to get into the rheumatolgist. Currently I have a strange rash on the lower side of my face that does not seem to go away with the ointment they have given me. This doesn't bother me so much, but I am wondering have you ever had itching on the bottom of your feet and hands. My regular dr. Has no clue what could be causing this since I don't seem to have any dermatological signs for the itching. Just wondering if this has happened to you before? Kellryn

Michelle Elkins AKA Mickey said...

praying for her! It's so true that everyone goes through the same thing, not one person goes through hard times alone! Comforting at the same time.

Melissa said...

I'm glad you can be there for her. It's so helpful to have someone that actually understands what you are going through. Good luck mama!

Kelly said...

I am praying that God gives her the strength and calm to endure all that life brings her way, and that she will come back and give her son the opportunity to spread his wings and fly.
xxO

Tessa said...

This story brought tears to my eyes. You put it so beautifully, Katie. I am praying for that mama and her family...thank you for sharing this.

Charla Liedahl said...

I so completely get it. You have a wonderful heart for the hurting. Keep sharing it!

marla said...

this is beautiful. my little one is only 9 months, but these fears have already surfaced.

Denise said...

beautiful words. so well put. full of grace and compassion.
thank you.

i will remember to let other's stories to play out just as how, in God's mercy, He has allowed mine to play out.