As Erin started to climb up the rope ladder to reach the slide, two things occurred to me. First, it occurred to me how determined Erin was to reach the top. Despite many failed efforts in the past, she had all the confidence in the world that she was going to reach the top. Second, it occurred to me how far she has come in a year's time. No way could she have made it up that rope ladder last summer.
Given her determination, I made a mental note to allow her to give it her best try, without too much help. Her determination, despite frequent failings, made me feel weak. Erin teaches me not to give up.
I thought about how effortlessly my other six children have climbed this very same rope ladder. Did I even notice their milestone? I think not. It just came natural to them. I took it for granted. I thought to myself....did they concentrate to steady their ankles? Correct their pronating feet?
I resisted the impulse to grab onto her to align her hands and feet. She can do it, I thought. She has taught me that time and time again. Thank you, God, for teaching me patience.
The end was in sight. She was struggling. I kept snapping pictures and practicing patience. In between, I caught a glimpse of her smiling. Yes, smiling. It was as if she was unfazed by the hard work at hand. Hard work comes naturally to Erin, and she doesn't seem to mind at all. Thank you, God, for teaching me how to handle difficult tasks. You knew what You were doing when you blessed us with this child.
This last little hump took the longest. Let her do it....let her do it.......let her do it.......I am reminded of the words of wisdom that a wonderful priest friend once told me..."The happiest people I know are those who have worked the hardest."
Almost there! I continued to snap pictures, wishing I could get Mike's attention, so he too could share in this milestone. You see, Erin's milestones are not like our other kids' milestones. As her parents, we understand the time and effort that is needed to master a task. Let me tell you, parenting children with special needs is underrated. We feel such a sense of pride over what appears to be the simplest of tasks.
Yay Erin! Do you have any idea how much you inspire me, little girl? Thank you, God, for this sweet blessing.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth...."
Psalm 139:13-15
Of course there's a great reward for all that hard work!
