A poem to share from Erma Bombeck "The Special Mother"

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Some women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressure,a couple by habit. This year nearly 100,000 women will be come mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how these women are chosen? Somehow I visualize god hovering over earth selecting his instruments of propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes his angel takes 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 an handicapped child" The angel is curious "Why this one, God? She is so happy." "Exactly," smiles God."Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who knows no laughter? That would be cruel" "But does she have the patience?" asks the angel. "I don't want her to have to much patience or she'll 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 sense of self and independence so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has a world of it own. She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy" "But lord I don't think she even believes in you" God smiles," No matter, I can fix that. No one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps "Selfishness? is that a virtue?" God nods."If she can't separate herself from her child occasionally, she will never survive. Yes, here is a woman I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesnt know 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 'Momma' for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it. I will permit her to see clearly the things i see--ignorance, cruelty, prejudice,--and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as if she is here by my side" "And her Patron Saint?" Asks the angel with pen poised in air. God smiles "A mirror will suffice."