Friday, February 8, 2008

Life is just really so not fair...

I have a dear friend, M, that I met in birthing class when I was pregnant with my daughter. She had a little boy, T, and another woman from the class also had a little boy, C. We three moms have become incredibly good friends. My daughter, T, and C have grown up together and enjoy one another's company. It's so fun to see them play and interact with each other. Unfortunately, T has cerebral palsy. It affects his movements, although he is walking, and has cause some cognitive delays. He is non-verbal but has learned some signs and communicates well. He has the most beautiful smile I have ever seen and he is a joy to be with.

M and her husband had twins in October, a boy and a girl, J and J. They were a little early, but both were fine and beautiful and wonderful. When the twins were born, some med students from Ohio State were offering to run extra blood tests on newborns that the state of Ohio doesn't typically run. M and her husband just got the results back earlier this week, and their son J has tested positive for Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. Now I ask you - how much is one family supposed to have to handle? How can this be fair?

M has such strong faith and such an incredible attitude. She believes God doesn't give us any more than we can handle. I am having to believe this right now, too, because I do believe that M is the most special woman I know, and if anyone can handle this, she can. I certainly don't think I could. She is amazing to me, as is her husband, and I know her family will be fine. But I'm angry, and I'm sad, and I just don't think it's fair.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry to read about your son's dmd dx. I also have a son with dmd - he was dx nearly 6 years ago and it 8 1/2 years old now. Encourage your friend, when she is able to handle it, to visit the parentprojectmd.org website. There is so much information there - as well as the most recent updates on clinical trials and treatments. There is also a very active message board that is an amazing resource. I read that you are in Ohio - Cincinnati Children's has the most comprehensive neuromuscular clinic in the US and specializes in DMD. Encourage her to contact Dr. Brenda Wong there. We travel from California annually so that she can evaluate our son and coordinate his care with our physicians here. We'll keep your friend and her family in our prayers.
Polly Sundeen (Mommie to Cole)

michelle f said...

Thanks, Polly - I will certainly pass your helpful information on to my friend.

Anonymous said...

Life is not fair!! I have a best friend whose son has leukemia. She is such a giving and a wonderful person while I would have been a shrew if in her position. She has such a positive outlook and is very thankful of all she has.
Just being there for her I am sure helps.

Secret Swap Pal

michelle f said...

Thanks, my Pal - we had dinner Friday night and she is doing really well, much better than I would be in the same situation.