BS: An amazing parent

Subject: BS: An amazing parent
From: Wesley S
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 02:13 PM

I take my son to therapy sessions three times a week. A couple of weeks ago I was in the waiting room and a new patient came in. I'll call her M. I was shocked to see that her face was very disfigured. She had a gaping hole where her nose should have been. I did my best not to look at her. I knew she was uncomfortable about her looks too because she held her hand in front of her face. She went onto her session and her mother waited for her.

The next time she was in another one of the children saw her and started asking question. I'll call her Z. She wasn't being mean - she's an incredably outgoing and friendly child. "Where's your nose - what happened to your face? What's your name? We can be friends."

Later after the first child went into her session her mother explained to Z what happened. I pretended to just read my book but I admit I was all ears. M was adopted from Africa. I had guessed as much because of how dark M was and that her mother was white. When M was in Africa she's had a tumor and her nose had been removed and some of the face surrounded it. Her mother had adopted her and brought her to America so she could pay for reconstructive surgery. She was being schooled at home.

I was humbled after hearing this story. To take on a project like that - knowing the challenges and how difficult it would be? And I thought I had challenges. Next time I feel put out by my sons situation I know I'm just going to have to suck it up and get on with it. It pretty much tells me I'm not allowed to whine any more.

I found this mother to be a real inspiration and I plan to tell her that. I thought you might want to know that there are unselfish people like her still out there in the world. I hope you have a chance to meet one too.

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: gnu
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 02:33 PM

Heartwarming.

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 02:57 PM

What an inspiring story. God bless the mother who chose to take on that child whatever the problems ahead. Thank you Wesley S for sharing this.

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: fat B****rd
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 02:59 PM

A lovely story. And humbling. Thank you, Wesley

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: kendall
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 03:07 PM

We should be spending our wealth on such as this instead of bombing women and children.

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: GUEST,mauvepink
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 03:16 PM

Despite all the ugliness in the world, the bad and hateful things that happen, there is a great deal of good in it too. Stories like yours reflect that fact. I am humbled most days in my job by some of the people who touch my life... many of whom have far less than I have, have had more to contend with than what I have, and yet still have love and smile for life.

I wish you and your parent well. All things are relative and you are just as entitled to feel what you do too. It's just sometimes easier to deal with when you know others have had it harder and come through.

If I had the moeny I would love to create a Good News journal... maybe just once a week. I am not sure if it would sell. People seem to prefer the bad, the anguish and the wierd in their newspapers. Would good news be a best seller? News programmes often have just one good news story on just at the end, as if to lighten up all the bad stuff they just gave out. Looking at it a better way. Perhaps that one good news story means more than all the bad ones put together.

YOur observation and story shows that good can and does prevail. Thanks for reminding us that

Good luck for the future too :-)

mp

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 07:52 PM

Wesley,

In the past we`ve exchanged a few messages about kids with special needs and the agonies it can bring. While you introduce us to a lovely story filled with courage and acceptance, please take a look at yourself and understand that you too are one of those parents.

Best of the season to you and your family.

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: Wesley S
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 08:23 PM

I think the difference here is that the woman I saw chose her path of her own free will. That's what I admire. Some of us were handed the job - we didn't get to vote on it.

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 08:31 PM

Just what I was going to say, Bruce, Wesley, please go look in the mirror. And, thanks for telling us about the little girl and her mom. Makes me doubly like the bumper sticker I saw the other day which simply said, "GOOD HAPPENS."

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 04:51 AM

I second Kat & Bruce

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 02:26 PM

Is there a way someone could check on surgery? Various children's hospitals do it for free. And Ronald McDonald houses put up the families...She probably is checking out all the possibilities but you never know. mg

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: Charmion
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 11:57 AM

I'll bet she's on the job like white on rice, mg. A lady who would take on that challenge in such a loving way would give it all she's got -- including the research effort to find the best services. It's odd how some of the very best of all are free, provided by professionals and organizations whose hearts are built like that mother's.

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: Slag
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 12:30 PM

Yes, none of us have to search very long or hard when we get to feeling we are on the short end of the stick. God bless those who are able and willing to help those in need. That IS the spirit of this Season. Thanks for sharing.

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 03:48 PM

A very humbling story, thank you for sharing x

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 10:30 PM

I doubt that that woman is all about helping a child in need. I suspect she is getting at least as much if not more from having this little girl in her life. Motherhood is a two way street.
Thanks for sharing Wesley.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: An amazing parent
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 26 Dec 10 - 02:45 PM

Another "warm heart" story is at This Thread now.

Although it is an Obit, if you follow one or two of the links in the opening to get the story it's certainly about someone being dedicated to doing a good thing.

John