All Things To All People

I was at a meeting with other parents of chronically ill children and amazed how the discussion became more and more about the kids "normal" life and less about their illness. We were discussing socializing, schooling and allowing our kids to be "normal" and what that meant. It hit me how many hats we wear as parents of these wonderful, beautiful kids.

As Moms of Chronically ill children we become "all things to all people". Do you remember that scripture verse? Paul was applying this to us as witnesses for Christ. But you know what, we are witnesses within our own families. We live the gospel every day as we move forward in a world that is full of challenges.  We become nurse, financial CEO (or juggler in most cases), Insurance Adjuster, SSI expert, Social Worker, along with running households, some of of you work, and at some point you navigate your world of husbands, friends and life.


We go through trials and tribulations that we never imagined could possibly happen to us and as we fall into bed each night we really are thankful for a few hours of rest. Whether you realize it or not, you have accomplished more for your family than just meeting their physical needs.  I forgot to mention that you are a psychologist and the emotional stabilizer and spiritual advisor as well.

I see this more and more as Olivia becomes a teenager. She now struggles with fitting in and finding the time to be involved with friends. Chronically ill kids are home bound a lot at times and as within any social circle, people move on in life. Their life did not stop and get put on hold. It has been more of a challenge in the teenage years. Teens tend to form their comfort groups and new people ( or even ones they knew before) have a hard time breaking in to that circle of relationships.

So, as Moms of your kids, you not only become their parent but their bff. But that has it's advantages and disadvantages. For me, I also have to push Olivia out of the nest so to speak. But through it all, I am able to have more influence in her life than most parents. I can help her learn more about God and how He works in our lives than her friends and one day she will be on her own. And when that happens, she will hear my voice and the voice of a God that loves her so much to get through it all. So, as a parent, you take care of their physical needs but also their spiritual needs as well. And it is a great opportunity to be a witness of the miracles of God. Because our kids are walking miracles every day of their life.