I remember when Kamdyn was a baby and people would make comments about how much of a blessing she would be, how she would teach us things, how she would teach other people things. And all the while, all I could think was why my baby! Why don't you have your baby teach the lessons, and let my baby just be a baby!
And even though I wished it weren't so in the beginning, it is the truth. Kamdyn's life has taught us and changed us. And I believe that a big difference in embracing one's life and whatever challenges one may face are gratefulness for those lessons in spite of the hardships along the way. Enjoy the journey, I guess you could say.
When Kamdyn was getting ready to go into surgery last week, one of our pastors met us at the hospital to pray for us and encourage us. As we were getting ready to leave, he told us that we may not know it, but we have been a big encouragement to a lot of people. He said that there were people who were discontent and unhappy with their lives, who reevaluated their situation by seeing us.
Well, I could take that two ways. I could say, hey, what's wrong with my life. It's really not so bad, so why would someone think it is. Or I could see it in a positive way. So I'll choose to see it as someone looking at us and seeing someone else who may face trials or struggles, and realizing that we all have struggles. We all have something. Maybe its illness, divorce, financial, or so many other things.
Kamdyn's purpose in life isn't to teach us anything or be some kind of inspiration for the rest of the world. She's just living her life and being happy. But if she's going to impact people along the way by living her life and being happy, then so be it. I believe that God can use any of our lives to encourage someone or teach someone. If I am able to do that for someone, I am priveledged to do so.
I'll leave you with some pictures of a sensory activity we did at home:
We got this art table off of Freecycle a few years back. The kids use it for doing crafts on, painting, and playing with play-doh. The top is removable, and it has these two sections inside it. I think it's supposed to be to store art supplies, but it is perfect for a sensory table.
I gave Kamdyn measuring cups and spoons and let her pour. It is good fine motor practice to try to pour the rice into a different container. You could also hide small objects (not too small for a choking hazard) in the rice for the child to find and pick out.
You could substitute the rice for different textured noodles also. I like noodles and rice, because they are easy to clean up, unlike sand. Sand is definitely an outside thing.
She did make a nice little mess, so it's a good thing it's easy to clean up.
It's true, you do encourage and inspire people, I bet both near and far. I honestly don't look at you and your family and feel sorry for anyone or think you guys have a bad life. I basically see loving, caring people who have been given issues to deal with, more so than my family and sometimes much more serious. The things that get me down, like a sleepless night with a teething baby or thinking about people who have decided not to be a part of my child's life, seem trivial next to some of the things you have gone through such as seeing your baby go through surgery. That is how it makes people like me reevaluate. I really hope you do see those comments in a positive light and I hope mine come across the right way too! Further to this I think that regardless of whoever or whatever you may write about your personality and spirit shine through and that is partly what inspires and encourages people. It certainly inspires me. Lovely pictures of Kamdyn by the way x
ReplyDeleteI love your comments. I know Kamdyn has had a positive impact on my life, and I'm glad that she does that with others, as well : ) You made my day.
Deletei remember my mom saying, "Hailey is here to teach us to enjoy life. We will learn so many things from her." I snapped back at her and said, "She is a baby. You are putting too much pressure on her." I agree, I have learned things from Hailey and our experiences with Hailey, but don't you think that is true of many things in your life? Hailey brings so much joy to everyone she meets just by being herself...I don't know if that is just her personality or is it because of Ds that molds her personality. Honestly at this point in our journey, I'm okay that she has that affect on people. If it bothers her at some point, we will deal with it. As I was looking at Kamdyn's pics, I wondered how much of a mess she left :-)
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean.
DeleteThat looks so fun!!
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings on the topic. I guess I have always felt Russell was born the way he was for a reason...That it wasn't just by "chance". Is he here only to be an inspiration to others? I don't believe so....But I do believe there was a purpose as to why he was born with that extra chromosome. I don't know...Like I said I have mixed feeling on the topic.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, loved what you had to say in here...Makes a person think.
I know what you mean, Jenny. I definitely believe they Kamdyn was made by God, no chance involved. I also believe that God seeks to use all of our lives for His glory if we allow Him. For whatever reason, that seems to come a little easier for Kandyn right now. People are impacted by her.
DeleteI do know how to spell my kid's name. Oops.
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