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The Day We Realized There’s Always Time for Play While Caring for Our Son

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One day in a waiting room a couple waited anxiously for the doctor to tell them their baby was going to be just fine. But the doctor looked down, shook her head and told them their baby wasn’t perfect.

They wondered if they were to blame. They already loved this baby so much. They knew they would never give up on this child. They would give this child every chance, no matter what the price.

On that day, unbeknownst to them, they joined a secret club of parents who had all sat in these chairs before them waiting to hear their news. 

Once they joined this club, they forgot about who they were and who they were supposed to be. Their days were filled with uncertainties, therapies and waiting rooms.

They learned the club’s number one tip: How to say that things are just fine. Some days they felt like on the verge of crying, but you would still see them smile and say, “Thank you, we’re all fine.”

On the days when they spent hours calling three doctors only to be told he’s “on the list,” they learned that persistence is a virtue that comes with this club membership. They learned that persistence and patience were two great membership gifts, and so they kept calling until their baby was at the top of that waiting list. 

They became fixated with the future. What will lie ahead for this little soul? They wondered what God’s plans were and where this path will lead.

Then one day they realized there was no fix. They couldn’t change things and today was just for play. So that day they simply messed around and were grateful for each day. Although each day brought more questions, they also brought more love. And so that day they learned another club lesson: When something just can’t be changed, there is always time for play.

Their days were filled with appointments, and weariness followed. They realized that staying strong wasn’t the only thing. Some days are long and some days are hard and the work is never done. So they learned the next club lesson: On days like this it’s OK to fall apart.

They couldn’t rewrite his story. And so one day they learned the final lesson: Although each day will be an unknown, they weren’t alone. They joined a club of warriors.

They were chosen for this baby, and someone must have known just how much they would cherish this boy. 

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Lead photo source: Thinkstock Images

Originally published: October 13, 2016
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