Exceeding expectations...

The developmental pediatrician that diagnosed my boys with Cerebral Palsy had NO bedside manner. He also lacked tact, compassion and pretty much any social skills whatsoever.

Thirteen years later, the memory of that morning is still seared into my brain. We were his first appointments of the day. I had two almost-one-year-olds in my arms. My Benjamin was running a high temperature. The doctor showed up 90 minutes late. For his FIRST appointment of the day. My boys were already exhausted.

Without so much as touching my boys, he turned to Wade and I and said, "Of course, your boys have Cerebral Palsy. What did you expect me to tell you today?"

I began to do what my Mommy-heart told me to do....explain. I told him about B's upcoming eye surgery and how his physical therapists really felt he would begin reaching developmental milestones once his vision was corrected.

With a sigh, Dr. No-compassion looked at me and said, "Ma'am, I have seen blind babies with more head control than your son has."

And again, I did what my Mommy-heart told me to do. I cuddled my beloved son closer to my heart, and closed my mouth.

Leaving his office, I had far more questions than answers. But I knew two very important things:

1. My precious boys were no different than before the appointment. No matter what labels we had received.

2. My job as their Mommy had not changed in the least. My job before the appointment and after -- and today -- remains to prepare them, encourage them and clear the path for them to reach their full potential whatever that may be and through it all to be bring glory to God!

The years since the appointment have not been all happy thoughts and platitudes. No, rather they have been years of hoping, praying and hyper-analyzing each development. They have been years full of therapies, surgeries, orthotics, walkers, crutches and wheelchairs. There have been tear-filled I.E.P. meetings, laughter-filled I.E.P. meetings and ultimately a decision to home school.

But through it all, I have prayed that all the things Wade and I are choosing will ultimately be preparing them to advocate for themselves, to articulate their needs and to help others see past their Cerebral Palsy.

Yesterday, I had a glimpse that at almost-14-years-old, they are doing exactly that.

Walking onto campus with Uncle Len.

My brother, Len, asked if he could interview them in front of his college special education class as part of a group project. They agreed to help their dear uncle.  We all knew they would do their best. No one expected them to be as absolutely outstanding as they were!

A sign of things to come? Mason running for student body president? I know he can!!

They were poised. They were articulate. They made some of the class cry. And they earned their uncle an A!

But most importantly, they showed that they are so full of abilities -- so full -- that those far outweigh any dis-abilities associated with their Cerebral Palsy.

You can click right here to see the interview. I am biased. I am. But I really think it is worth your time.

Benjamin and Claire enjoying their post-lecture smoothies! (And being a little silly!)

Cate celebrating making it through her first college class!

Oh, I am blessed.