I remember before I became a mother, before I had kids. I was good with kids. I used to teach gymnastics to children of all ages, like 4 yrs to 14yrs ish. And the kids liked me. I knew it all too haha! Like everyone else did before you have that first child that totally rocks your world in ways you could never imagine. Before I had kids I had all these things my kids were never going to do, see on television, or eat, I think I even continued that ridiculous image up until Thomas was a year old. Silly.
To say Thomas rocked my world is an understatement. I mean we went through the whole newborn adjustment period all new parents go through. Then at 6 months we had the CT scans, skull x rays, the helmet, Physical therapy, etc… I seriously wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But we got through it. I never would have even for a millisecond thought that would be my life with *my* child. Never. I , like many other Mom’s was supposed to have this totally typical child who was all sorts of wonderful and did all sorts of typical things. I’m sure other Mom’s of special needs feel the same way. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bitter woman, Thomas is who he is and I love him all the same, I just NEVER thought our lives would turn out the way they did. Sometimes I wonder how we got through it. Neither one of us were particularly “religious” in the early years, I know I did pray but I didn’t have the relationship with The Lord I have now.
I remember the person I was before I had Thomas. I knew it all man, yes I did. I’m thinking I wasn’t alone in that attitude. Honestly I wouldn’t have liked to continue on that path, that road of knowing it all. Thomas broke me down and made me who I am today. Or should I say The Lord broke me down using my son as an example to me to be different, to grow a different way. Yes, I think that is a more correct statement. When I suffered from depression there is a part of me that believes The Lord broke me down there as well, that I was maybe getting too cocky, or comfortable perhaps redirection was needed. I don’t know it just feels that way. I’ve learned a lot from the depression, things that would probably have gone un-noticed by me if the road didn’t turn the way it did. I’m NOT saying it was this magical, mystical, exploring time, not at all. It’s just the way I feel and believe.
I know I’m not alone in sitting there wondering where that original vision of life went. I’m sure many lives are complete 360 degrees from where one started. It’s really amazing isn’t it?
Menay O; mom to 4, Christian and thrift shopper on the side... 