THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE

On April 12, 2000, at 8:33 pm, my life completely changed. I became a mother. There is no way that anyone can describe how it feels to become a mother for the first time. The moment they put Kennedy in my arms, I felt complete. This little being in my arms looked exactly like her daddy. She looked up to me with a look of recognition and a hungry nuzzle. The nurse was doing her best to explain breastfeeding, but I was engrossed in Kennedy. For the past eight years, everyday has been filled with her smiles, hugs and kisses. Kennedy has the kindest heart of any child that I have ever met. She is an old soul. She is wise and compassionate beyond her years. She has so much love in her heart for everything and everyone. She is the best big sister to Garrett, and wants more than anything for him to not be disabled. She told me the other day that she promises to take care of Garrett after we die. She came up with that comment out of the blue...that shows you how much she cares. Garrett had a crisis the morning of her birthday and we had to rush him to the hospital via ambulance. She was terrified. She thought her brother was going to die; to tell you the truth, we thought he might. She said that she does not need any presents for her birthday, she just wants him to be okay. I had many tears on that one. We had to work hard to get Kennedy here, but everything we did was worth it. She is a blessing to all.

I thank God for my daughter everyday. She will always be super special because she made me a mother. April 12,2000...the best day of my life.

GARRETT LOST HIS FIRST TOOTH TODAY

Garrett lost his first tooth today. He will be five on July 1st, so almost three months before he turned five. Kennedy lot her first tooth one month before she turned five. He finally did something developmentally appropriate!!!! I cried. He was thrilled...as you can see from the video. ENJOY!!!!!!

This brought many tears to my eyes

I found this poem on an eBay listing when I tried to find a new walker for Garrett. When I was pregnant with Kennedy, my best friend gave me a poem similar to this one, but it was for a normal child. This poem addresses moms with special children. If you have a special little one like I do, it will probably bring a tear to your eye.


The Lord took me to the crossroads and pointed the way for me to go,
The path it was overgrown and the journey would be slow.
He handed me my precious bundle, but I was hesitant and wanted to stay,
I asked why this path, when so many were going the simpler other way.
My God then smiled upon me, as He looked into my eyes,
It was a look so knowing, so comforting and wise.
“This child you carry is special, a great many challenges you will face,
But take heart, I will be with you and I have been preparing you all your life
To be here this day at this place.”
“Most will call this child handicapped and though you will face mountains
That many others will not be able to understand,
The simple joys this child brings will be incredible as you journey hand in hand.”
I had but one more question as I let a tear slide down my cheek,
I asked the Lord when the grass gets tall, or the water rises to deep, how will I know which
Way to go when the path I can no longer see?
My dear Savior touched the ground and showed me a footstep slightly faded with time,
And said “My child just look for these foot steps, they will guide you, for you see they are mine.”
“I traveled down this road with my son a very long time ago,
So that now as you and your child walk the way you will know.”

Well, there you have it. I will post the other poem I received with Kennedy later.

It seems to me that when God sees me struggling with being Garrett's mommy, He sends me His message. Now you know what the secret is..let God guide your way. Sometimes people ask me what the secret is to being a special needs mommy. LIKE I EVEN COME CLOSE TO KNOWING!!!! It is tough.