A parent writes about the miracle son she and her husband are now raising, and the joy that he has brought to their lives.
Our two-year-old son, Gideon Michael, is one of the greatest things that could have happened to us, especially since he wasn't supposed to survive in the first place.
Gideon Michael Malachi Dickinson was born four months early. He ws born during my wife's fifth month of pregnancy. his earlier-than-planned birth was caused by a blood infection that threatened his life--not to mention, the life of his mother (my wife). In order for the both of them to survive, doctors had no choice but to induce labor.
As a result of his (unexpected) arrival into the world, little Gideon is now a child who happens to have serious special needs. His brain was severely damaged while he was being born; just about six months ago, Gideon was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, after over a year of worry, fear, and uncertainty. He was diagnosed with other health concerns, too, in addition to the cerebral palsy: gastric reflux disease, epilepsy, severe-to-profound mental retardation.
He had the mind of a very young infant.
At the news, Wendie and I both cried, as would any parent would natureally do upon finding out that their child has a serious health problem. We grieved for our son, a son who would probably never walk or talk on his own, a son who wouldn't read or go to school, a son who would never play sports, a son who would never go on a date, to his prom, or learn to drive a car. No, our precious son would never be able to do any of these things: he would probably be relegated to 24-hour medical care by us (or trained professionals) or to an institution, where he could live ou tthe rest of his days, not knowing who he was, where he was, or what was happening to him, just barely existing.
It was depressing.
Yet it was our pastor, Pastor Milton, who told us that our little boy was born this way for a reason, that out of this tragedy, God would bring greater things to him--and to us, his family, that he was one of God's Miracles.
We raged at our pastor: we refused to believe that a Loving, Merciful God could allow this to hapen to our child, allow our child to be born damaged, so destroyed, so--very handicapped. It went against everything that we believed in.
*********************End of Part One.************************
It will be very interesting to see the enf of the story. You raise a deeply complex and central problem. Both progress and awareness are born of deprivation, of a handicapped position, and the entire human evolution and cultural history is a response to this position and the attempt turn disadvantage into advantage. Not only is the chain as strong as its weakest link but its weakest link is also its strongest.
A very touching write, moving and realistic. You've captured the emotions of the parents with excellence. The question that seems to linger on the thoughts of many is, why does God allow things such as this to happen, or if there is a God why would He let a child suffer? My daughter was stricken with leg perthes disease when she was only four years old, we spent much of two years at Shriner's Hospital for children with special needs, she wore corrective leg braces, we went through therapy and traveled many miles in search of an answer and some little bit of hope to cling to. I never once questioned God's will because I knew His plan was His plan and work toward our good, that He knew my future as well as Bethany's future. I left it in His hands and kept searching for hope for our family through prayer, as well as doctors. The panal of twenty doctors was amazed when her complete healing came, her bones were mended and she finally lived the life of a normal six year old...something that we were told she would never do! My daughter was a cheerleader, ran track, and played soft ball on two healthy legs. But during the two years of leg braces, extreme therapy, and all the road trips, I grew closer to the Lord, my children, my family, all those that I saw on regular visits to the hospital as well as began to understand myself and appreciate the Lord's plans for our lives. I had accepted the disease that plagued my child and we were adjusting and moving forward, but God had a different plan. My daughter is nearly twenty three and still gives God the praise for healing her hips, she too now realizes what a powerful God we serve and has a very special place in her heart for those whom suffer with special needs! What a great write my friend, you've touched me deeply this morning and also allowed me a trip down memory lane! Write on dear friend!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
How tragic. The conflict in the parents is so real here. They love their son but are grieving that he will never have a "normal" life. Very heart felt story. I'm eager for more. Liz
The reaction of parents to this scenario is certainly understandable, but the love of these same parents will give them the strength to raise this child.
I am glad to see you are contiuning to write. This is yet another classic example of your stunning talent. Thanks so much for sharing it w. us!
Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar
7/23/2007
I agree with the pastor. We cannot understand God's ways. And I bet that child is loved more than normal children. Great part one. Victor
Reviewed by d. k
7/23/2007
"God's Miracles" is definitely the right words when describings such special children. How difficult it must be for any young couple to face is quite something? But the joys, the goals reached, the slightest new thing that a handicap child does or says far outweighs all the sadness. Sure they may not play ball, ride bikes, or run, but they will do very unique tasks that give the parents great joy. A wonderful write, I look forward to more. You know, I miss getting the recent works being sent to my e-mail.
I like that you are giving us this heartfelt story in Parts, Karen. It gives us time to chew over everything you say within it carefully, to consider how we ourselves might feel, given the chance to meditate these awful truths... leaving us without the "quick fix" of "happy ever after". I like both the open depth and honesty here. There are no shortcuts to weighing up all the angles so that the foundational response is strong and fundamental resolutions can be made in advance of troubled waters piling in on top. Thank you for ALWAYS making me fully aware of the hardships and heartaches faced by many and yet recognised and experienced first hand by so few that we are aware of. Thankfully so, but the awareness you are giving me both breaks and warms my heart with grief and admiration in equal parts. Bless you and thank you. Kate xx
It is so sad when anyone has disabilities. I've even heard people ask the question, "If there is a God, why does he let bad things happen?" I ask myself the question, "Can we blame everything on God? Is God the inventor of all happenings?" I suppose there is no answer--at least that we are aware of--but I do know that when we hurt over painful occurences, it is God whom we call on.
Good heavens, four months early? No wonder the medical issues, the anger, the confusion, the frustration...look forward to reading more of Gideon's Gift to his family. Well done, Karen!
When Kathy finds a small stray kitten some amazing things happen. Story's from a Mom's view of the love, caring and patience needed when a child wants to own a pet. Recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. Delightful illustrations!
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