May 18, 2007
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Elisabeth posted a very poignant message and video.
Just thought I would send you over to see it.I just can't believe the statistics stated. It causes me to grieve so deeply.
Many years ago I worked as a camp counselor at an Easter Seals camp for handicapped children and adults in the mountains of northeastern NJ (yes, there are mountains in NJ.)
I was there for two entire summers. I was in my very early 20's and I have to say that it was the most satisfying thing I have ever done outside of being a mom. That experience showed me how to be selfless. It was hard, hard work but I loved every minute of it. Every two weeks we would get a new group of campers. One session would be adults...the next would be little ones...or a group of teens from a children's home in a rough city (these were tough streetwise handicapped kids)...another week was a whole group of mentally handicapped adults and teens...etc... We counselors would have up to three campers we would have to take care of...some more than others. My very first week there...after the training session....I had two adult campers in wheelchairs. One could do nothing for herself and the other one could do a lot. I was the main caretaker...bathing, dressing, bathroom, feeding...everything. We even took hikes....miles long! Push one camper in their wheelchair so far and then run back and get the other one...we'd keep doing this until we reached our destination and then all the way back again. THAT was a workout! 
My severely handicapped camper had cerebral palsy and she was very hard to understand and to make it worse she had an Irish accent. She was just too cute though. I grew to love her so much. By the end of the two weeks understanding her was no problem and one day at meal time we were just sitting there and I said to her..so what is wrong with you? We both cracked up because I said it with all sincerity. I totally forgot she was handicapped. How weird is that? Well..I guess when you spend 24 hours a day for two weeks with somebody you get to know them pretty well and over look a few things too! I wish I knew what became of her. She was in her thirties then I think. We corresponded for many years and then lost touch.I've seen it all really.....the most severest of handicaps. I have never regretted for one minute those summers and the years I taught special needs children. No one will ever, ever, ever be able to convince me that there are mistakes when it comes to babies and so called handicaps....no matter what they are. I was so privileged to know each and every child and grown up I have worked with..played with..laughed with. I would do it all again in a heart beat.
To abort a baby because some tests show a disability is one of the most selfish things I know. These are the special children...the gifts from God himself...the ones that teach us about life and ourselves.
Comments (4)
I had the good fortune to be a good reader in grade school. In 6th grade, they asked our reading group to work with the special education kids one on one for a while. I managed to draw Charles as a partner. He was the tough one to control, very wild, and all of the others who got this assignment told me they were glad to have somebody else. Charles got on my nerves at first too, but then we connected and he started to learn. It was a valuable lesson for me too. I learned that a learning disability and an inability to focus didn't make him a bad guy, just one who needed more help. I don't think a month goes by I don't remember him.
Thanks for visiting my site...and the movie and statistics you mentioned are very moving. My last little one was born when I was 44 and the pressure and scare tactics are enormous to have invasive testing so you can make an "informed" decision about whether or not to keep your precious little one. Many friends came forth with stories of people they knew who had done the tests, which came back indicating an abnormality, then when the baby was born it was shown the test was wrong. We had other strikes against us as well...I have epilepsy and take strong medicine, my husband has had triple bypass heart surgery. But we were ecstatic to have another blessing...Nehemiah, we named him. Our prayer is he would help build the wall of God's protection around His people. My message to all mothers is one from the author Norman Grubb. There is no more peaceful place to be, no safer place in the universe, than in the hand of 'All-love' our Father God in heaven.
Sheri
susan,
your post is so special. you truely are an amazing woman and a wonderful role model for not only your beautiful elisabeth, but for your friends as well. thank you for sharing about yourself and giving me the opportunity to learn and see a little bit more about my dear friend.
back in the 80's, i had a neighbor in berkeley, who was pregnant and over 35. she didn't want the amnio test, but eventually gave in and had it. the next day she miscarried. god never gives us more than we can handle. each child is a gift.
i'm going to go read elisabeth's post now.
blessings and lots of love, mari
Thanks!! This is a wonderful post...I have a special needs child; and he is a wonderful gift from God. Thank you for posting this today...I so, so agree with what you have said.
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