A Tribute to Mothers.

Today I was given this lovely excerpt by one of Leo's teachers at preschool, and I though it befitting to share with you all.

At the recent State Autism Conference, this was read at the Parent Forum.

"Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,00 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?

Somehow, I visualise God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger. "Armstrong, Beth - son; patron saint - Matthew. Forrest, Marjorie - daughter; patron saint - Cecilia. Rudledge, Carrie - twins; he passes a name to an angel and smiles "Give her an autistic child. The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," says God, "could I give and autistic child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it. I watched her today; she has that feeling of self independence that is so rare and necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."

"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "no matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?" God nods, "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realise it yet, but she is to be envied. She will take for granted 'spoken word'. She will consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says "Mummy" for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! I will permit her to see things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice...and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely she is here by my side."

"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."

Excerpt from Erma Bombeck