I used to think the movie "UP" had a sweet story line and the ending made me cry. Other than that it didn't make much sense and therefore it was my least favorite movie of the Pixar genre. Then I got a dog. Now I TOTALLY get it. I used to see dogs walking down the road and sure...I'd avoid hitting them but not without a huff and being a bit annoyed. Now I grip the wheel with one hand, honk the horn with the other and mentally plan for action in case the pooch runs out in front of me. It reminds me of how my Grandfather never tipped a waitress until his granddaughter waited tables.
Last week my youngest brought home a letter informing us that he had been chosen to be tested for the gifted program at school. When my older two were described as "gifted" or "smart" I would beam with pride. With this youngest treasure I nearly broke down in tears. My mind slipped back in time when my sister in law suggested having his hearing checked. She has multiple master's degrees in Special Ed and I knew she wouldn't make such a suggestion without first having much concern. I then pictured in my mind's eye various State of North Carolina employees coming to our house twice a week in order to help Danny Mac catch up to himself. The large 3 1/2 year old who talked non stop could not communicate. Even I had to guess most of the time what the frustrated toddler was trying to tell me. It took two years of Speech and Developmental Therapy but you'd never know it now. No matter what happens after the testing is complete the fact he was chosen to be tested is HUGE!
For almost the entire month of January I was a coughing, fatigued mess. After two urgent care visits and as many rounds of antibiotics my icky virus would just have to run it's course. Usually a burning sore throat for weeks on end and a lack of energy that rivaled the 9th month of pregnancy would produce many sympathy seeking complaints. Instead I was thankful to be home with my peeps and have medication that eased my suffering. Mostly I was comforted with the prognosis of returning to my full state of health. Lest you think these positive reactions were due to a state of maturity they were not.
Not far from me my crazy, hilarious, very sweet brother in law George was watching his big sister prepare to leave her earthly home and enter into the presence of her Savior. I know George and his tight knit family enough to confidently assume even in much grief God's great goodness was evident. I have no doubt the Spirit's mercy flowed through all Catrina Christoper's friends and family as the days slowly eased by. The knowledge of these goings on turned my illness into a blessing. I loved my children more fiercely, hugged my husband more tightly and praised the Master Healer more fervently.
Perspective...
