I was out walking today when the thought crossed my mind . . . who decides what a "good" life is, a "normal" life, an "unhandicapped" life. And what is it about humans that make us think everyone else has to live up to the same expectations (e.g. if you're not some kind of professional, then your life is of lesser value)? (And maybe it's just Americans that think this way--or even just urban Americans.)
Why ponder these questions of the universe? Because I have to remind myself every now and then that Josh will one day get to whatever level of mental and physical ability that he has--and it probably won't be that of an Olympic athelete or a brilliant physicist. But so what? Once again, who should decide the quality of life that Josh has? I think that should be Josh.
My job as his mom isn't to try to make him the same as everyone. My job is to help him (and Shari and Rachie) be the best they can be. Help them live the happiest life they can live (or at least to be happy with the lives they have--we don't always get a choice.)
Whatever Josh ends up accomplishing in his life, I hope that he'll always do it with the same sense of determination that he now has, the same sense of "I can do it, I just have to try hard enough," the same sense of happiness with life and willingness to ask and accept help so readily. He's an amazing kid. And I could certainly learn a thing or two from him.
