[This is my first guest post on someone else's blog. The post begins here. To read the rest, click on the link.]
Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5
I wept a lot when my son was growing up. From the moment I heard the word autism, I set out to fix him, to use my love, my intelligence, my resources, my will, my faith to make him well.
I tried every therapy that came along. And I prayed every kind of prayer. I bargained, I visualized, I begged, I focused, I believed, trusting that if I could just summon a mustard seed of faith, he would be healed. His continued autism signified failure. I was a failure as a mother and as a person of faith.
Then one morning when James was a teenager,... [read the rest of this post at Fireflies and Hummingbirds]
I'll check both of these out thanks. One thought I learned long ago is, we are never given/or receive anything that we cannot handle in life....
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful Galen!
ReplyDeleteEverything happes for a reason - thank you for the reminder :) great post!
ReplyDeleteGalen: That is really a beautiful post. I wish you could meet my adopted daughter. Everyone - and I mean everyone - told us we were nuts. They said she would never be "normal." They told us she would never be able to tie her own shoes. Today, she works full-time, has a ton of friends, is completely independent, and will tell you she has never had a bad day. Neither have we since she entered our lives. Your son is a blessing, and you know what? It's not up to them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a touching post, thank you for sharing your story. You are an amazing lady with amazing gifts, one of your gifts is the gift of words. You are a magnificent writer and I hope to be reading a book written by you one day!
ReplyDeleteMay God bless and be with you and your children.
Karen S--So true. I never thought I would be dealing with all the issues I have dealt with as a parent...and still do! Just when you think you've seen it all!
ReplyDeleteAverage girl--Thank you!
Bz--Yes, I believe we can find meaning in all aspects of life.
JJ--I am so happy for you and your daughter. She sounds lovely and I am sure I would like her very much! Yes, they are blessings.
darlin--Thank you so much for the kind words! Maybe a book someday. In the meantime, I did just get a story published in an anthology called A Cup of Comfort for Christian Women. The story is also about James and my foster son Dan. I was floored when my submission was chosen. It is fun to see my name in print, I admit!
Galen,
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring story. This was my favorite part:
"I ask God to help me see the miracles. That is a prayer that has never gone unanswered. Joy does come in the morning. And every day is a new day."
BTW, Love the new background on your blog. I'm always keen on changing things up now and then!
What a wonderful post. I loved the part where James was brushing his teeth and saying it was 'great to be James'.
ReplyDeleteThere are no easy answers in this life of ours but I think a positive outlook can help.
What I have learned is that there are many people out there who share your feelings and understand your anxieties. I truly hope you can continue to see the miracles and I hope you can face up to your own 'Spring cleaning' when you feel able to do it.
Carol
Just saying I'm going to check out your full post now. I have an eleven year old daughter who is autistic so know a little of what you're going through, or have gone through (I haven't read the rest of the post yet!)
ReplyDeleteFound you from Scattered By Joy.
CJ xx
Sandra--Yes, that prayer is one I've been praying a lot lately! Glad you like the background. I was ready to move from a fall background to spring!
ReplyDeleteFacing 50--Thanks for the encouragement. I'm ready now to start that spring cleaning!
Crystal--Welcome! James is now alsmot 24. I also have a foster son Dan with autism. Dan is 25. If you ever want to chat, feel free to email galenpearl@gmail.com.
Galen,
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what you have gone through, but I really admire your faith and courage, and your love. You not only care for your own son with autism, but also foster Dan who has autism, by yourself. Wow!
The Zen story you shared is a well known story in China.
Thanks for sharing.
Yes, joy definitely comes in the morning. I can't imagine what you have gone through. It can't be easy but you certainly can 'hear' your love, courage and faith in this post. I will be checking out the rest of the post.
ReplyDelete