Here we go.../Thoughts on Mother's Day

Okay, I finally decided to take the plunge and begin a blog; I don't know how often I'll be posting, but I hope that I might be able to share some of the ways God has blessed my life and the lessons He has taught me over the years in my Christian walk.  Where do I begin?  With a birthday coming up in another week or so and today being Mother's Day, I'm reminded that I am a survivor of sorts; in fact, statistically I shouldn't even have made it to being born.  I have shared this with some of you, but I have a genetic condition called Turner's Syndrome, which has a 98% miscarriage rate.  It is the reason I am so short, among other physical characteristics (infertility being one); I also had to have a non-functioning kidney removed at 9 days old.  But I have struggled the most with the personality quirks such as impulsivity, lack of awareness, difficulty in reading facial expressions/social cues and problems with short-term/working memory it can cause.  However, I am very thankful that the doctors were able to diagnose me at birth (which was amazing for the mid-1960's, since it is so rare and it had only been identified in the late 1930's), because at least I knew from an early age that I wouldn't be able to have a biological child of my own.  I am also grateful that God blessed me with Christian parents who love me unconditionally and chose not to see my condition as any kind of disability, with the same expectations for behavior, etc. as my older brother.  When I think of the things God has allowed me to accomplish in my life despite having TS, such as earning a college degree (cum laude), working in a satisfying job I love and buying my own place (4 years down, 26 more to go!), I can't help but have an appreciation for the faith, family and friends that have sustained me so far.  Many of you know that I originally went to college to become a teacher, and have had various occasions to work with children, including as director of the 4-year-old choir at my church.  So, if I start to feel a twinge of sadness on a day like Mother's Day, I have to ask myself this question as an attitude check:  Am I overly disappointed at not being able to have a child of my own, or can I be grateful for the opportunities God has given me to work with other children?