Opening Doors
“If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments.” — Anne Morrow Lindbergh
This past week’s quote, from Anne Morrow Lindbergh, has helped to keep me grounded throughout the past week.
I’ve never been one to be too horribly fearful of the future. Sure, there were times that I was nervous or afraid or worried about some upcoming event. And there were times I was scared to death. Somewhere along the way, I learned that the future would always turn out just fine.
It seems I will have to learn this lesson all over again since the arrival of Little Bird. This past week has been the story of seeing fearful futures:
- I saw stories of families whose houses were defaced because they had a child with Downs Syndrome.
- I saw stories of a city government trying to take away a friend of a child with Downs Syndrome because of an obtuse and archaic “law”.
- I read stories about parents struggling – financially and emotionally – to make sure that their child with Downs Syndrome had the continuity of care needed.
- I saw another major athlete take away the dignity of many children through his insensitive words and, so far, do nothing to restore that dignity.
- I read a story of a mother who, in the blink of an eye, lost her child.
These stories, and more, filled me with anxiety and fear for the future – not necessarily mine, but Little Bird’s.
What kind of world will Little Bird grow up in? Will he be bullied – physically or emotionally? Will he be mocked – for a medical condition he didn’t have a say in? Will our family be able to cull together the resources – financial and otherwise – to give him the best chance of a happy and fulfilling life?
Will he be happy?
Time and experience (and jumping out of airplanes in the Army) have taught me that I need only take 3 steps to get out of fear:
1) Stay in the Moment.
2) Take Action – any action.
3) Gratitude.
AML’s quote reminded me of that path. These are the words of a woman who suffered – and survived – one of the very things that terrifies me. I like to think that it was her words, written many, many years ago, that gave me the push I need to get off the path of fear and enjoy a great week with a great family.
And a great week it was – longs walks and sitting in sunbeams, listening to music, and so much more I haven’t had time to tell you about. We capped a great week off with a family trip to see the Harlem Globetrotters – that trip has been 3 years in the making.
Today, I’m going to take the last step, and be grateful for what I have, not what I’m afraid of having.
I’ve added a new quote for the coming week.
In the footer, below, you will see a link to learn a little about its author.
I’m excited to see where this week’s quote takes us.
3 Comments on “Opening Doors”
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This week’s quote:
Each week, I add a new quote, and try to theme the weeks posts on the quote. This week's quote comes from Friedrich Nietzsche. Click on the photo to read about him in Wikipedia.
You are a great writer, and make me hopeful that the world will see that disabilities is just another word… we are all human
You are very inspirational 
As my uncle did, I bet you, little bird will get all the ladies when he’s older
Thanks for the kind words; I am glad you like the writing. Keep coming back!
Life is always a chalange and when unexpected events happen we all go into a making it easier for others and ourselves to understand. Writing seems to be a good choice for you and your family. To help others realize the diffulties that come with have a child so special. will continue to keep up with Little Bird. Hope each day gets easier and a ray of sunshine.