I gave up a while ago, but not in a way that you would think. Anyone who is not in our shoes, may not entirely understand but let me try to explain. Giving up doesn't mean we have "given up'' in a sense. When we tell people about our son's medical problems and how difficult it is to see him gain and lose all of his skills, a popular phrase we hear often is, "no one knows what Carter's future holds, miracles happen every day" or "doctors don't know everything". And I totally 100% agree, but there's another side to this as well. Have you ever wanted something so badly, that you forget to appreciate what you DO have?! When Carter was a baby, I hoped so badly that he would catch up in development or start doing the things his therapists worked so hard on. I spent most of my time wishing for something that wasn't there. I cried for all the things I had dreamed about for my first child. I wanted all of those mommy experiences that every mother imagines. I wanted to take Carter to the park and watch him make friends, I wanted to share my favorite snacks and foods with him in hope that he would follow in my footsteps, I wished for the day that my husband could play sports with his only son. And over those years, I neglected to appreciate the miracles in front of me. The smiles and giggles that Carter had over the rare toys he enjoyed. The glimpses of eye contact that we worked so hard on in speech therapy. The negative test results for devastating disorders that doctors wanted to rule out. I let all those things pass me up while I still held hope for bigger things. Without even realizing I had given up, I did. But something different happened that may seem contradictory. I didn't lose hope nor did I feel defeated. Instead I feel empowered, stronger and happier. I celebrate all the little things and brag to my family and friends about Carter's favorite squishy ball. I laugh and enjoy the funny faces Carter makes when he watches his sisters dance and sing. I clap and applaud when Carter poops on the potty. I feel triumphant when Carter has a pain free family vacation where he is happy the entire time. I go on and on about the 12 ounces of pureed baby food that he has consumed twice a day for a month now. Do I dwell on the what if's and possibilities that could happen at any time in regards to Carter's medical conditions? Yes, every single day. Do I always hope for a new cure or treatment that will help my child live a better and longer life? Every moment of every day. But I give up on wishing for something that isn't meant to be for my son. And the most important part of this, is that I am OKAY with that. Being okay with something I cannot control, was the hardest obstacle by far. I believe that miracles sometimes create unrealistic expectations. Miracles don't always mean a magic cure or over night phenomenon. In my world, miracles are simply every little thing that my son does. He is alive, he is happy and he is beautiful. THOSE are true miracles. So I beg of my family and friends, to understand when I say that I have given up and that you will understand and respect that I don't wish for perfection anymore. I don't beg God to change to my child. Would you want God to change your child and the gift you have been given? My every day miracle goes by the name "Carter".
