Remember my post about Rett Syndrome and "The View"? If not you can read it HERE.
Well sweet Anna from the segment (you can view the segment HERE) passed away this morning. She was only 4 years old and it was due to complications with Rett syndrome. As I shed tears for Anna and her family, I thought about my sweet angel.
It is scary to know that Oaklynn's life expectancy is shorter. It scares me that it is common for these angels to pass away in their sleep. If Oaklynn has been asleep longer than usual, we don't get excited that our child is taking a longer nap than usual. We rush into her room to make sure she is still breathing and continue to go into her room to check on her until she wakes up from her nap. We all need to remember that life is short. Cherish those you love and make sure they know how you feel about them. Life is unpredictable. I know my daughter will not live the life that I live and I will make it the best I can for her, but it won't be long. What we don't realize is that anything could happen to anyone of us throughout the day. Make sure and live your life so that others know how you feel.
I hear lots of people complain and wish they had more in life. It hurts my heart to hear people wanting more and not being grateful for what they have been given.
You may wish that your husband brought you roses every day and did more around the house to help out. He is an amazing husband and you love him and he loves you, but yet you find something to complain about. Instead, be grateful that you have a husband! While you are complaining and wishing he did more, others who have never been married or lost their husband look at you and say, I wish I had what she has.
You may have a couple WONDERFUL kids and can no longer have any more. You constantly complain about the fact that you can't have any more children and are very sad about this (as it is sad). Instead, be grateful that the Lord blessed you with the children you have already! There are others out there who can't even have 1 child or have had a child and lost it. Think about how your complaints affect them.
I have a daughter who has been robbed of life by Rett syndrome. I can look at others and be jealous that they have children who can run around and play. Who can talk to them and tell them what they want/need. I could be jealous that they can leave their kids with any sitter and go run errands. Or that they don't have to worry about what surgery will come next. Or they can just pick up and go out with a friend without having to worry about the constant daily therapies and doctors apointments.
Instead of focusing on what I don't have, I pay attention to what I do have. I am VERY grateful for my beautiful Oaklynn. Life is hard being her mom but I wouldn't change it for the world. I get to experience daily a smile that lights up a room. A child who can speak with her eyes and melt your heart with just one look. One who gets so excited and proud of herself for being able to do the little things in life, like grabbing a ball and throwing it. I get to be a mom to a little girl who inspires people on a daily basis. I am in NO way perfect, but Oaklynn has taught me to celebrate what I do have in life and not to mourn what I don't have.
Oaklynn (above)
Kynslee, her 5 month old sister (below)
Please be grateful for what you have in life and make sure that those you are grateful for, know it!
6 comments:
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! I have definitely had life put into perspective thanks to everything with Ben, as well as listening to your beautiful Oaklynn's story. You never know what is going to happen to anyone at any given moment, whether they have a disease that you expect will end their life earlier than you want, or they get in a freak accident. I love your message, be grateful for life and all you have and stop dwelling on what more you THINK you should have. Love you guys!!
Beautifully said, Whit!
What a beautiful post Whitney! And such a good reminder. I need to read this every day! And sweet Anna and her family will be in my prayers.
Heavenly Father knew you would guard Oaklynn well. You are all blessed and you have unlocked blessings in my life, too. We love her just as she is and we will dance and visit and eat and laugh in Heaven when we all meet up! Loves to you all! BJ
beautifully written. i am grateful that my daughter is alive and healthy but in some ways i do mourn the things that other parents can do.
Thank you for writing this. Recently we've gotten together with friends who have girls our daughters ages and everything I've been feeling but didn't know how to put into words- you have wrote for me.
Yes, Rett Syndrome sucks but we're lucky too- our girls teach us over and over again how everyday is a gift and to take extreme pleasure in the littlest things.
Thank you again, I love reading your blog.
Post a Comment