All taken care of

One of the strangest things people say to me when we talk about Joey is "God has a special place for you in heaven!" or the now-more-common, "God will reward you!" No, really, That's just... odd to me.

Now, I know some folks get very offended by such statements. I don't. I understand that the person means to be friendly, comforting, and sympathetic to my role as a parent of a child with special needs. Sometimes it is hard to have a conversation with someone, and hear about hard days, and know what to say to a world that is totally outside your experience as a person or a parent.

I used to say "thank you" and move on. Now I have a new answer.

"He already has! He's given me my boys!" And my life. And my husband. And my mom. And my friends. And...

People seriously need to get into the groove of thinking about my kids as the lovely, beautiful people they are, as the precious gifts they are- and not just to me, but to the whole world. Each and every one of us- we're gifts. We have the potential to do so much, each and every one. It is up to us to do our best to show our gratitude by helping the world be the wonderful, beautiful place it can be.

So that place in heaven? All taken care of. Right here, right now. Thank you.