The Big Awesome Ride...

*Today's blog is from the Madonna Workshop*       

Working with special people is always a reward. To appreciate the importance of this work, we must first understand the unique people we serve, for each individual is a gift from God. I want to tell the story of a young man and why I am thankful every day for the work that I do.

He entered the world as we all do – kicking and screaming – but something was different about this boy.

“Value your time with him,” the doctors told his mother. “He doesn’t have long to live.”

The healthy baby boy she expected was instead small – really small – even for a newborn. His legs and arms contracted 180 degrees, and he had a heart defect.

“So what?” she said, “My son is going to live.”

And guess what? He did. And not just a few years either. Thanks to the fighting spirit of a mother who wouldn’t give up, a mother who saw hope where the doctors could not, this young man fought.

Now at the age of 26, there is no question that his life was worth the struggle.

I was blessed enough to meet him four years ago when he walked into my office hoping to find work and make a little money.

The commencement and graduation evening was a success!
The High School students are proud and ready to move onto the transition program, "Madonna U."
And the graduates are pleased with their accomplishments and stand ready to face the world.
What more could you ask for?
Here are a few moments captured.

Sharing: A special mother

Erma Bombeck is one of my favorite authors of all time.  I remember reading this when it was first published. I remember crying over the pages. 

My perspective has changed slightly since then. I don’t agree with her analysis completely – but I still cry every time I read it.  Although Erma didn’t know what is was like to have a special needs child and also didn’t get to talk to God about it until years after she wrote this, she got bits of it right on target. She was a great observer, a great storyteller, and she knew what was most important about being a mom.

The Special Mother
by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressure and a couple by habit. This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how these mothers are chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint, Matthew."

"Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron Saint, Celia."

"Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron Saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity." Finally he passes a name to an angel and smiles. "Give her a handicapped child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

A Generous Life

“Let me tell you that the world is more generous than bleak;” sings Rebecca
 in The Omaha Project song Generous*, “Love is more tangible than grief.”

“Heaven won’t hand you the life you thought you’d lead.”

"Heaven will do better, if you let her...” 

Have you noticed this too? Isn’t it the truth?

If you want to witness good in the world, hang out with Marcus for a day. For example, as I stepped off the bus in New York City, I nodded at the large man with stubbled face and bright yellow “Transit” vest. Marcus was right behind me and I turned to grab his hand. Then I watched this gruff man bend over and tie Marcus’ shoe. “Oh.” Marcus said as he smiled, “Thanks.” And gave him a thumbs up as we walked away.