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.
