A mom is picked.

This was sent to me in an email. I wanted to share with all the other moms out there that have been "picked". Especially a certain mommy in Atlanta whose precious boys need our special prayers. This one is for baby E's mommy. :)

God Chooses Mom for Special Child

written by Erma Bombeck, published in the Today newspaper



Most women 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 special needs children.

Did you ever wonder how mothers of special needs children are chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instrument for 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, Marjories; daughter; patron saint Cecilia."

"Rudledge, Carries; twins; patron saint.. give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a special needs child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," God smiles. "Could I give this child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she 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 wears off, she'll handle it like she does everything else thrown at her."

"I watched her today. She has that feeling of pride and independence. She'll have to teach the child to live in a world she doesn't control and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I dont think she her faith in you is very strong."

God smiles. "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."

The angel gasps. "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't seperate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, there is the woman I will bless with a child that seems 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 "Momma" for the first time, she will be present at 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 she is here by my side."

"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid air.

God smiles.

"A mirror will suffice."

God, I am eternally grateful you picked me to be Matthew's mom. I can't believe how lucky I am. And to be doubly blessed with his older brother too...wow! I am humbled and I am ready for the next challenge as you see fit.