A couple learns to look to God when their child is born disabled.
It has often been said that God never gives a person more than they are able to bear. Sometimes I wonder if that is even true : the last four years have been hard, to put it mildly.
Our son, Ebenezer Jacob, was born with brain damage; at 1 he was diagnosed aas having spastic-quadriplegic cerebral palsy. In a nutshell that means that Ebenezer cannot walk or talk; he is in a wheelchair and he has to be fed, dressed, even diapered.
My husband, Ebenezer, Sr. (called Eben for short) works two jobs; as for me, I stay home to take care of Ebenezer, Jr. It is a full time job, one not for the faint of heart. I don't mind most of the time, but sometimes I could use a break!
I love my son too much to even think of putting him in a home. He doesn't deserve to languish in a nursing home or institution: he is a little boy, for God's sake!! So even despite the fact that he needs a lot of help, I wouldn't trade it for all the gold in the world. He means too much to me.
I'm just glad that Ebenezer, Jr. is our only child. I and my husband would both love to have another child, but with Ebenezer, Jr's needs, we just cannot afford it right now. Maybe when Ebenezer, Jr. is a little older we might try, but for now, Ebenezer is my top priority.
Ebenezer is a very good looking little boy: he is a miniature version of Eben. The only trait of mine he has are my big brown eyes; otherwise he is all Daddy in small scalr.
People have oftentimes asked us if we regret having a child who is disabled. Sometimes, yes, but most of the time the rewards far outweigh the negatives. That way, we know he is getting the best of care and we can always know where he is or what is going on with him. Sometimes he does end up in the hospital but even despite all of his problems, he's a lot healthier than a lot of people with his disability!
Well, it's about time to hook our son up to his nightly feeding apparatus; it will feed him nourishment all night long as he sleeps. In addition, we will give him his last dose of medication until five in the morning; then it starts all over again (he gets his medications every four hours). We will then put him to bed and go to bed soon ourselves.
Until later, take care and God bless; just pray that Ebenezer, Jr. stays well; if there is one thing I absolutely dread it's him getting the flu or a cold; for him, it's not so simple as he usually ends up in the hospital, fighting for his life! Any prayers would be welcome! Thanks in advance!
Glad there are parents who have the strength and faith to take care of a child with special needs. I am not one of them. :( Does that make me a monster? Well done, Karen.
This exceptional book, Celebrating the Gift of Being Alive, has the perfect thoughts and words for birthdays, graduations, engagements, marriages, and any life celebration or family tradition.
