Welcome to a day in my life. I can't guarantee that this will be an exciting read for anyone. My life is filled with all the mundane activities of a stay-at-home-mom just trying to raise her three sons to be the best men they can be.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Well, yesterday I did a big Thursday Thirteen post, and then for some reason, it disappeared. Arggggggg! After spending a long time on it I wasn't about to do it all again.

My TT was 13 things living with Rick (my brother with down's syndrome) has taught me. On Sunday his group home had a Christmas open house so my parents, and Cathy and I went over to visit for a while. Rick wasn't too happy and kept pushing mom to the door. He's not used to us going to visit him there. Every time we show up it's to take him home for a few days so he wasn't too happy with us.


Growing up with a brother with special needs has certainly impacted the lives of each family member in every way. Rick has taught me so much about love, and loving unconditionally. I marvel when I look at how each of us have turned out and the fields we all went into. We all ended up in fields ministering to people. The life of one person impacted 6 others (not to mention my parents) so profoundly. God has a purpose for each life ... no matter the value we, as humans, put on that life.


Looking back, I can see how God has used the life of one little boy to prepare me to raise another little boy. Growing up with one child with disabilities gave me what I needed to raise another child with a disability. I guess Rick has been the best teacher I have ever had.
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3 comments:

  1. Evie11:00 AM

    Rick has been a special member of the family. He certainly has been a huge influence on the adults you all became. On the other hand, God chose this family for Rick because the right people (especially Mom) were in place to meet his needs.

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  2. Anonymous10:18 AM

    What a wonderful post, Barbara! You are a true inspiration to me, and this story sheds a little bit of light on your life to help me see why. I've sensed your special spirit online since I started reading your messages on the boards, and now I can see a bit more of what makes you tick.

    Bless you and your family this Christmas season. Thank you for the gift of your friendship. :)

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  3. Catharine11:44 PM

    When I think about where each of our siblings is at this point in our lives and the decisions we made regarding family and professions I truly believe that having Rick in our home was a major influence on all of us. He is an angel sent from above.

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