I'm a lucky mom!

"You're so lucky.  You have easy kids."  I have heard this in circles for years.  It's not always said to me (surprise:)), but actually at times it has been said to me in regards to several of my kids in particular.

I've been mommy to my crew for quite a while now and I don't think my kids are terribly difficult...Christina does her homework right away, is confident, smart, beautiful inside and out, and friendly.  Thomas has ADD issues, but nothing we can't manage so far.  If he messes up he gives himself a "strike" on the chore chart without waiting for someone to report.  He knows the scriptures, prays like he knows who he is talking to, and isn't too cool to hug his mom and say, "You're the best mommy ever!"  We went through a health scare with Grace when she was born with pulmonary atresia, but her health issues have never limited her physically or developmentally.  She radiates love and a zest for life.  Caroline is our snuggle bug.  She's a ray of sunshine and she's learning to be Miss Independent ("I can do that myself!").  Wesley is perfect in every way.  We all adore him and love cheering him on through every inch of progress he makes.  Of course they (with the exception of Wes) get into their fair share of mischief, and they each have unique challenges, but nearly all issues are resolved with some direction, the mention of Tabasco, or a Band-aid.

This is in contrast to the moms raising children with disabilities.  (Not to discount dads, but usually moms are doing the bulk of the child-raising.)  I have found myself feeling sorry for them as I've thought, "How do they do it?"  How do these moms get through each day with the major demanding challenges they have on top of the "normal" challenges a mom faces.  Those poor moms.  They must be exhausted!

Today I watched this video on cnn.com and when the mom of this autistic boy said she felt "lucky" to be this boy's mom, and told of her experience being his mom, I found myself thinking, "She IS lucky!"  How amazing that she could see the abilities and beauty in her son rather than focusing on the limitations of his disability.  For most it takes days, maybe a month to potty train a child.  This mom changed diapers for 22 years.  (Do you think she did much traveling?)  This mom went through denial and tears, and had to get to that point of celebrating her son, but it's obvious that she loved being this boy's mom for the 22 years of his life.  I thought her story was beautiful. 

I am thankful for a family that makes me feel like the luckiest mom alive.  I celebrate all five of our children and I love nurturing them on their journey.  I can see that parents whose lives are much more challenging are blessed just as well, especially if they know so.  I'm in awe.

(Thanks again for the link, Brett).