I Didn’t Sign Up For This

How many times have you heard the words, “But I didn’t sign up for this!”? I’ve heard it when someone is talking about their medical issues, their health, or life in general. I think about those words (and a hundred other minor issues) when I’m awake at 2am.

How many things have I NOT signed up for? Well, I didn’t get in line to be a short person. And I certainly didn’t wait around for someone to hand out migraine headaches. But there are a multitude of things I DID sign up for that most people haven’t.

I DID sign up to be a parent. I DID ask for a child with multiple medical issues. I DID sign on the dotted line. I took the oath and I asked for our daughters lives to be entwined with us no matter what the cost.

Now I’m not a glutton for hardships. Its not that I enjoy doctor appointments, medical emergencies, or even trying to wrangle better deals with the medical supply company. However, I did realize that my hardships in life are nothing compared to those experienced by a child with special medical needs. And what better way to say “I love you,” or show someone that God really does care for them, then to sign up to be with them. After all, God has signed on to be with me…. why not share?

Emily’s life has been filled with many new and challenging situations as of late. We are on a rollercoaster of what seems like endless appointments these days. Emily needs to have a thigh bone resection surgery in a couple of weeks and she has a cyst growing on her left ovary. And after a brief hiatus the seizure episodes she has experienced have returned in full force. While I hate the consequences of a medically challenged life I love my daughter to bits. If I could squeeze one more ounce of love into her, to make her feel better, to make her laugh, I would.

So when I think of being up at 2am, while I’m sitting with her in her room, I can say with certainty, “YUP, I DID sign up for this.” And I’ll be here through thick and thin, for more ups and downs, to share life with someone who needs help in every way. And hopefully I’ll be able to give enough comfort, the way I would want it, if I were in her shoes.

Thanks for listening ~