“Mommy”
“Yes Grace” I can hear the the sing song frustration in my voice.
“Why does Daddy close his eyes when he puts me to bed?”
The question stops me cold. I wasn’t expecting it. It’s a nightly ritual when putting Grace to bed that just as I am about to close the door she comes up with a question to stall. But usually it’s something like “where are we going tomorrow” or “what does (insert spanish word here that she learned from Dora) mean again?”
But not tonight. Tonight she has a sincere question and I take a deep breath before answering.
“Because baby, he can’t see in the dark.”
“Oh”
I feel compelled to discuss it, to analyze and go deeper but she’s completely satisfied with my answer so I say goodnight and close the door. But it lingers.
I try to imagine, if it were me, if I were losing my vision, would I close my eyes in the dark? I guess it would be natural, to feel like your controlling why it’s dark rather than it being something that is happening to you. When I asked him about it he said that was probably right. He hadn’t really thought about it before.
He thinks about more important things. He thinks about the memories that he is making with his children each and every day.
He thinks about how he will be determined not to let this disease steal his joy. He thinks about how God is using this in his life. He thinks about how amazing a miracle cure would be and how awesome to see the stars again at night but he knows that if it doesn’t happen, his life will not be diminished for it.
Super Dad
He thinks about the man that God has created him to become, and he steps up to the challenge.
I’m not quite sure what to day… but awesome post sis! Thanks for sharing with us. I’m not quite sure how you guys juggle it all.. but you do. You and Jared both are an inspiration to us all.
Thanks Jackie. The answer is we don’t juggle it all…lots of balls fall 🙂 Love you.
You make me cry.
I’m SO CLOSE to picking up the phone and scheduling our next session with you! Can’t wait!
Your children, without fail, will always make you step back and try to understand the basic fundamentals of life. Something as simple as Grace’s question reveals how little we know our own actions until their innocence beings them to light.
Yours and Jared’s attitude towards his disease is incredible, your love and determination no matter the outcome shows even in a sightless world he’ll have more appreciation and life than many of us who take it granted every day. I think of you all constantly and pray Jared is granted a miracle. Truly inspirational post Jen, thank you.
Frank you are so right. They have no preconceived notions, they don’t come out ‘judgmental’. It’s humbling to think what we can learn from them.
Your words as always are so amazing. Jared said ‘that’s it I’m calling Frank!’ 🙂
Jared is amazing…and handles all of this with dignity and strength. He’s a great example and we both really admire him. Thanks for sharing this…. By the way, what does azul mean again?
Ha! You got me, I studied Russian 😉
Love you
We love you too Phyllis!
Oh my! I’m in tears. I feel for you all. I can’t wait to spend some time with you all.
Thanks jerk! Now I’m crying in front of the guys I work with… that is, an amazing experience you have had with Grace to get an insight into how adversity is dealt with an not thought about. I’m inspired to see my life in a more positive way. Love you guys!
There are questions that only God can answer. Jared is such a brave man. He never complains or talks about feeling “cheated”. He definitely puts life into perspective. He has taught me that happiness is a choice. And that each day is a gift.