You see, I was going to complain about my unjustified parking ticket, an argument with a cop the same day about another parking ticket, and my ticket for running a stop sign last night, but after reading about a little boy with cancer named James and thinking about all those kids at St. Jude, I realized just how lucky I am.
Little James is only seven months old and he has been diagnosed with a rhabdoid tumor, which is one of the absolute most aggressive tumors and most often found in kids under the age of two. You can read more about his family here. There are so many people out there who have had a much worse week than a few tickets. Yes, I was absolutely frustrated each time, and my feelings shouldn't be discounted, but that is just small potatoes for people that have real problems right now.
I am amazed by people that take their struggles and contribute them to God's glory. Moms and dads that watch their babies suffer, but continue to have positive attitudes and pray and celebrate the little milestones. Those are the people I want to be around, those are the people I want to help and the reason I want to be a Child Life Specialist. They are the reason I have been working my butt off taking classes all summer and the reason I will continue to kick my own butt in the fall.
I want to be there to allow them and their children to have an outlet. To express their feelings in a safe place. To let them tear up paper and throw balls at walls and get out general frustrations that cancer or another illness builds up. I know these are heavy thoughts, but I think they are important ones. I want to be able to look back and see that I wrote this one day when I am having a hard time remembering why I am going back to school.
Have a good Thursday y'all.
8 comments:
I am glad that you took a moment to write this down. I am sure it will serve as a good reminder for why you do all the work that you do?
I've been following James as well. Keeps things in perspective.
I'm visiting you through Jenna's linky. What a lovely thought-provoking post.
What a great perspective! Returning the love from The Peanuts Gang! Feel free to follow! :)
This really struck a chord with me. I'm not sure if you know my older son Brayden's story or not, but he was very sick when he was born and we nearly lost him. It is the hardest thing I've ever lived through.
I'm stopping by from Jenna's. I've also been following James and his fight. Helps me realize how lucky I am.
This brought some tears to my eyes! I read a blog reguarly called Exploring Holland. It's written by a woman who has two children with Sanfilippo Syndrome. She will likely loose both of her children before they are 10-14 years old! It makes me realize how incredibly blessed I am to have three healthy children, and a pretty easy life! You should check out Shannon's blog at http://familymctravels.blogspot.com She is pretty inspiring and so are her little Waverly and Oliver! I found you from Jenna's challenge. Have a blessed week!
Hi! I'm stopping in from Jenna's.
Your post is great. You are such a thoughtful and incredible person. I'm a teacher and can tell you that the kids you work with will be so blessed to have you.
-Jessica
http://matandjessmccarl.blogspot.com/
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