Olivia and Annabel will horseback ride through the summer and other than that, we have shut down and are spending a lot of time at home. We will have some camps.
Skip and I went to my brother's graduation from high school ~ yes that makes me very young or . . . very old when my parents adopted ;). We have 24 years between us. He was the brother I prayed for when I did not know God even existed. My parents once again will experience and empty nest. I have reassured them that there is A LOT going on here and they are more than welcome to come ANYTIME. Although the love their grandchildren, there is a reason they bought a retirement home 5 hours away. The great thing about Skip and me is that we do not mind driving 5 hours to bless them with a little energy and excitement.
We are preparing for Ruthie's surgery next month. I have been thinking about what it will really be like to have a child with a visible handicap. I am struggling to admit that I struggled when we first came home with people seeing Ruthie's feet. I made sure they were always covered and when someone would see them I watched their reaction. I believe I was trying to protect her and never wanted attention drawn to us.
So what will it be like with a visible handicap? I know Ruthie will be fine missing feet and walking on only her heels or in her prosthetics. But in defending my precious little girl, how will i handle the stares? or pointing? I am examining my heart and hoping that the words that come from my mouth or the expression on my face is always pleasing to the Lord. Especially when I am in my protective mother bear mode.
How can I prepare her for her surgery. Will she understand when we cut off her Blablas'(stuffed animal) feet and bandage them up? At two can she be reassured that the pain will go away? How on earth will she get around with casts up to her thighs?
And I am very sad for the loss of her twinkle toes.
5 comments:
I was the same protective way of Joy's hand. I'd watch people stare. Eventually, it didn't bother me anymore. I'm sure it will be the same with you. Your kids are just adorable! Have a great summer! How is Grant doing? I think of him often.
Praying for Ruthie's upcoming surgery. I'd loved to meet you in Greenville to keep you company in the hospital. Let me know when the dates are scheduled.
I love seeing all your children's sweet faces. They are precious!!
Elaine
www.thehortonhome.blogspot.com
I'm so grateful for your powerful witness. Thank you for sharing your heart. I know it must be so difficult as a mommy to deal with the curious (and many times rude) stares and comments of people that don't know you and love you. I find myself wincing when one of my smaller (or large Russian :) ) children stares or makes a comment about a disability they encounter for the first time, and then I always make it worse by sputtering out some explanation for their behavior that makes everyone uncomfortable. I'll be praying for you, sweet friend, and for Ruthie as she undergoes this change. God is good!! All the time!!
Much love!
Tamara
I am glad to read an update! we will pray for all of you. Your children are very sweet!
I will be praying for your sense of loss. I remember rushing to surgeries that removed nearly all my daughters teeth and then open heart, and wondering if she would resent us - with no English to understand what was happening. But she knew we loved her already and she trusted us, and the dependence during that time brought us even closer. Rejoicing with you that soon she'll be able to walk! Praying that God will continue to give you peace and His comfort.
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