A Tribute to Mothers

At a recent Autism Conference this was read at the Parent Forum (excerpt from Erma Bombeck) “Mostwomen become mothers by accident , some by choice, , a few by social pressures,and a couple by habit. This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped childrenare chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth, selecting his instruments of propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes He instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger “Armstrong Beth, ---son (Patron saint Matthew) Forrest Marjorie (patron saint Cecilia) Carrie ---twins (patron saint Gerard) Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles “Give her an autistic child” The angel is curious “Why this one, God? She’s so happy” “Exactly”says God, “could I give an autistic child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel” But has she the patience?” asks the angel. “I don’t want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self- pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she’ll handle it” I watched her today :she has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and necessary in a mother. You see, the child I am going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world and that’s not going to be easy.” Here is a woman whom I will blesswith a child less than perfect. She doesn’t realize it yet but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a spoken word’ She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says “Mama” for the first time she will be present at a miracle and know it! I will permit her to see the things I see….ignorance, cruelty, prejudice…and allow her to rise above them. She willnever be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing my work assurely she is here by my side” And what about her patron saint?” asks the angel pen poised in mid- air. God smiles “ A mirror will suffice”