Just ran into Tom on my way from SUB. He told me about a woman from a Calgary church who is here with her kids – a two year old and one week old twins. One of the twins is scheduled for heart surgery this week. One of the twins has Down Syndrome, the other does not. So Alisa and I will try to offer some support and prayer and companionship while they are here. And we’ve put them in touch with some local support groups like EDSS/ Bridge.
We are also organizing a few students from our groups to do some baby sitting with the 2 year old, who has a cold and is not allowed to accompany the mother into NICU/PICU. I’ll drop by after touching base with some students, and we are hoping that Alisa can meet up with the mom later today for some one on one. (I’m a priest, but Alisa is a mother.)
I think one of the things which new parents of children with disabilities need is rejoicing and celebration. That may sound odd, but I believe it is true. We need to rejoice at the birth of this person made in the image of God. Parents grieve at such times – there is a sense of loss, especially if there was no indication that there would be a “problem”. There are some souls who have the gift of bringing joy and celebration in the midst of that grief. Not replacing the grief, or moving it out of the way, but reminding us in a gentle but firm voice that this new and different person needs a reception of joy and welcome.
Our daughter Sarah Joy has given us many gifts. The gift of this particular ministry is one of them. Several times we have been called by people in various churches to be present with new parents who are struggling with these situations.
We don’t have answers.
We’re just looking for the crumbs of grace that fall from our Master’s table in times like this.
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