Do you ever wonder...

Tonight I was asked by a good friend of mine a question I have pondered in the past.
"Do you ever wonder what effect your family has had on other people's lives?"

I sometimes wonder that and I know that I will often never know the answer to that question. Amy's disability and challenges have affected all of our lives. I believe that we have all become better and stronger people as a result of these challenges. They will either make you or break you.

God has used them to break my stubborn and willful spirit. I like the person I am now more than I did before. I was selfish and willful. I fought and argued a lot. I am much more obedient to God and so much more open and willing to help others. I am thankful for the struggles and difficulties because I am a better person as a result of them.

So many wonderful people have come into our lives as a result of Amy. One of the most wonderful is the person who asked me this question. Her name is Liz. She came into our family when Amy was a little munchkin of a whole year old. Her introduction into our lives was fairly traumatic and she weathered the storm like an old sailor. I was very impressed by that. I figured she survived the event and she would do just fine.

Liz worked with Amy as her PCA--personal caregiver and we came to love her dearly. She is one of the family. I treasure her. We all love her. She is very important to us. I love when she comes over on a weekend day and stays for hours chatting, joining in and being one of the family. The girls love her, I love her, Dane loves her.

Liz went back to school and became a social worker. She works with kids and families with special needs. She has been able to use the insights and experiences she gained from our family for the good of others. She told me that we helped influence her decision to do this. I am very happy about that. She is so supportive and has been a great help to me when I have questions and she can steer me in the right direction for things that my family might need for Amy. Liz is a gem and I am so glad she is part of our life. It is one of the special blessings that have happened as a result of Amy.





Comments

Anonymous said…
i was going to write you a thank you. and that your family has had such a HUGE impact on me. i have never had a family so warm and welcoming to me and i truely thank you from the bottom of my heart. you all are seriously a blessing in my life.

~ mazie dae~
10:14 PM
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