2 minute read
God Made Them Special
from December 2020
by Tammy Madden
Ifeel like someone needs to hear this today. If you are a special needs parent and are feeling like you can’t go on another minute, know that I am here for you.
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If you feel like you can’t change another feeding tube, like you can’t watch one more seizure, like you can’t clean up any more throw up (sorry, it’s our reality), if you feel like you can’t listen to any more beeps and bells in the ICU, if you think you can’t sit through another blood draw while four people, including you, hold your child down, if you feel like you can’t take one more meeting in “the room” (y’all know what “the room” is), if you feel like you can’t go to one more specialist, if you feel like you can’t watch your child in a wheelchair while the other kids run for even a second longer, if you feel like you can’t take yet another diagnosis, if you feel like you simply just cannot hand your child off to one more surgeon, if you feel like you can’t take one more sleepless night, and if you feel like you just can’t line the medicines up and prepare them for another second, then please know that God walked this path before you.
He chose you, Mom. He chose you, Dad. He chose you because He knows you! He chose you because He knows your strength. He knew before you were even born that you could do this! He chose YOU! THAT IS AN HONOR! Just know it’s okay to take a minute. Sit outside while they sleep and watch the rain fall. Sit at your kitchen table and watch as the birds fly by. Open that window and listen to them sing. 22 // December 2020
Look at all the wonders of the world that God made, and then walk in their room. Look at them there, sleeping so quietly. Look at their face. Watch them as they dream of angels. Would you want any other child in the world? They have a purpose on this earth. God knows why they were sent here, and I believe maybe they know too, but it’s not our place to know. It’s our place to love them and teach them about Jesus and love and how to love everyone, or maybe it’s their job to teach US how to love.
I want you all to know that you are doing a great job! Don’t give up. Just hug them and thank God for choosing you! I love you all, and I hope whoever needed this sees it. One more thing: if you ever need another parent to speak to, both my husband and I are always here for you. Have a wonderful day! Now go hug that beautiful child of yours! You are their hero, but more importantly, they are OUR heroes!
About The Author My name is Tammy Madden. I am 52 years old and live in the beautiful foothills of North Georgia in Chatsworth. I am married for 35 wonderful years to my amazing husband, Gene and we have a beautiful 17 year old daughter named Megan.
