It’s Day #30 and the gang’s all here! My mom contributed this post…quite the writing family, eh? As Writing Sis alluded to yesterday, Brian writes cards that are short and sweet, yet express heartfelt love and care; speaking straight to heart. My mom’s post also speaks right from her heart to yours; enjoy the gift.
Many years ago we saw a movie entitled, Grand Canyon. It made quite an impression on me. The movie chronicled the lives of several people and how the circumstances that they encountered radically changed the trajectory of their lives. Seemingly innocent decisions had permanent consequences. I thought about this movie for a long time after seeing it.
When Katie decided to write these blog postings on 31 Days with my Brother, I admit feeling a little trepidation at putting our experiences out there in cyberspace. Now on Day 30 I can state that reading these posts has been very cathartic. She has summarized, highlighted and memorialized our experiences and the way that Brian has transformed each of us into something better than we would have been without him. Brian was not what we expected, but he was just what we needed.
When Brian was born and in those early years, I was concerned about the effect on the rest of the family in having a child with special needs like Brian. I didn’t want the girls to feel burdened or deprived or resentful. I needn’t have worried; each of them has more than risen to the challenge. They embrace their brother and enjoy his uniqueness. All through the teenage years, Brian went with his younger sisters to Youth Group; on mission trips; to camp. We didn’t expect this, but the girls just did it. In recent years, all three daughters have had their brother come to their homes to stay. In one home, he’s the resident uncle; in the others’ places, he hangs with the singles crowd and experiences big city life.
Often marriages come apart when a child with special needs is born. I look back and see how I’ve been blessed to have a husband who is loyal and devoted to all our children. Brian has become his chief football companion and sports confidante. They share in many trips to sporting contests and have had some amazing adventures at Special Olympics as well.
So on that day 33 years ago when I was told that my life had taken a different course than I had planned (as if I was in control!), I could not have imagined that this path was going to be the best one; was going to be the path of discovery; was going to be the way of love. I’m so glad that this is the path that was chosen for us. We have been blessed.
-MJP
10/29/12
Deep Breaths: Who directs your life? Who ordains your days? Do you see God’s fingerprints on the canvas of your life; this one life you have been entrusted to live?
I hope that as this series wraps-up you have come to know my brother better, but, more importantly have come to know the Lord better. Our story (and your story) would not be possible without Him; He has made us, upheld us, and is ready and waiting to lead us on the paths that He has wisely and lovingly laid forth. His Word our foundation, absolute truth, and faithful guide for our days. If you have questions about Jesus and what it means to live a life surrendered to Him, please feel free to ask!
There is a song called Grand Canyon by Wayne Kirkpatrick that says:
Sometimes I feel like I’m looking up at You
from the bottom of the Grand Canyon, so small and so far
From the Grand Canyon, with a hole in my heart
And I’m a long way from where I know I need to be
When there’s a Grand Canyon between You and me.”
