It's Not About Me

Recently, our minister at church preached an Easter sermon titled, "It's Not About Me."  His words rang true to me as I reflect back on my experiences with having a child with Down Syndrome.  I think I can say that I have safely made the trek from the "Why Me?" to an acceptence of a life, and a good life at that. Sure, things might have been easier if Jared did not have special needs, but there are really no guarantees, are there? So, I sit back and watch his life unfold before me. And it is a precious thing to watch. Jared is slowly leaving the somewhat egocentric venue of adolescence and starting to see, to really see the world around him. He wants to be a teacher assistant.  I can see him working with young people, perhaps young people with special needs.  He'd be a good guide for them, I think.  Last night, I watched him at Special Olympics. His friend, Matt was having trouble opening his water bottle.  I hadn't noticed, no one had, except Jared. I watched as he handed his water bottle to Gabby, and then reached out to Matt, took the bottle from his hand and opened it. Seeing Matt smile up at him in thanks for his help painted a picture of what Jared might do, of who he might be in this world. He loves people. He is becoming aware of them. He is helping. He is realizing, so much sooner than I ever did, that it truly is not about him.