It seems that when you think your life couldn’t possibly get worse it does sometimes. And you look around and it seems like everyone you see has it going on much more than you do. Or, they have more than you do. Maybe a nice house, some nice cars, clothes and other belongings. They’re in a seemingly good, loving marriage with 2.5 children, a dog and a cat. It’s a picture perfect postcard life.

There are times I complain and feel sorry for myself. I’ll admit it here folks. I have regular pity parties. I don’t dress up for them. There are no horns or hats, no cake, no presents. But they are my own little parties.  And dammit I’ll cry if I want to. I don’t expect you to cry along with me however, it would be really nice if you could lend a shoulder though.

I recently renewed contact with an old friend. Her life has been challenging for as long as I can remember. Her son who is about the same age as mine was born with cerebral palsy. Since his birth she has maintained his life with all the energy it has required. He has been tube fed since he was about a year old. As I recall it was determined he wasn’t getting significant nutrition by mouth. As he grew there were struggles with transporting him, and bathing him. Still my friend never complained. As friends others and myself supported her as much as possible. There were several times we spoke with her to encourage her to keep going. She occasionally questioned her faith in God. Why would he give her a son with this disease? I will mention at this time that there is a daughter. She is a few years older, smart, funny, beautiful and as of now a college graduate, engaged to be married. It seemed as if God granted grace upon the girl and chose the second child, the son, to prove grace could be attained with vigilance. For you see, my friend has always shown grace as far as I’m concerned. She is herself an angel. Her heart is loving. Her soul is bright. She can bring a smile to your face just by being in the room.

In my recent correspondence with her I found out that even more challenges have been bestowed on her. Last year in 2009 her son was in and out of the hospital, their house flooded, and her husband suffered a stroke. Then just this past July the house again flooded and they lost many of their belongings. According to what she said her husband also is being fed via feeding tube and according to the doctor may never be able to swallow again.

I can’t honestly look at myself with any amount of pity when I think of this. I’m not sure there is anything that could make her life better. Except maybe prayer. And a shoulder.

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