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."
