God Makes No Mistakes

Maybe we're all different but we're still the same

We all got the blood of Eden running through our veins

I know sometimes it's hard for you to see

You're caught between just who you are and who you want to be

If you feel alone and lost and need a friend

Remember every new beginning is some beginning's end.

Welcome to wherever you are

This is your life; you made it this far

Welcome, you've got to believe

That right here, right now

You're exactly where you're supposed to be

Welcome to wherever you are

When everybody's in and you're left out

And you feel you're drowning in the shadow of a doubt

Everyone's a miracle in their own way

Just listen to yourself, not what other people say

When it seems you're lost, alone and feelin' down

Remember, everybody's different; just take a look around

Be who you want to be

Be who you are

Everyone's a hero

Everyone's a star

When you want to give up and your heart's about to break

Remember that you're perfect; God makes no mistakes.

- Welcome to Wherever You Are
by Bon Jovi

Okay, I admit that I am on a Bon Jovi roll now since seeing them in concert. However, when I heard this song and read the lyrics, I could not believe I hadn't picked up on it before. This song is so ME... so "here's-your-life-deal-with-it-because-everyone's-in-the-same-situation".

I swear it's some little beeper God has. Whenever I start to think about how tough things are for us, how we won't know what's to happen with our little Brady, something else comes along to distract me, or remind me how lucky we are. I am sure all of us moms who visit the hospitals frequently with our kids see the other children in there who are so much more challenged. I'll never forget the first time I brought Brady in and noticed these kids who were hooked to machines, or unable to communicate, or were extremely handicapped.

I just watched the 60 Minute tape and Chronicle show that focussed on William's Syndrome and interviewed WS children and adults. I wasn't sure what to expect... but I wasn't very surprised with the information I learned. I was most happy with Morley Safer sitting with all these kids and asking, "You guys are just always happy, aren't you?" and he was answered with a resounding "yes!" from everyone. There were some touching moments as well, when the college-age girl asked, "Why don't the kids in class who say hi to me ask me to do things with them on the weekend?" That was tough. It will break my heart if my child has to wonder things like that.

But then, as I sit here and write, I am brought back to the same thinking that I've always had, that brings me to reality - we have no guarantees about ANY of our children, WS or not. It just comes with the territory of being a parent. I have no idea if my eight-year-old Michael will have problems getting a good job and live on his own and get married. Since he doesn't have WS I am sure I have certain expectations for him in my subconscious... but maybe he won't meet them. I have no idea. And I can't worry about that now. I'm worried about fitting in his birthday party before school starts, about what he's got up his sleeve for us to do today because I told him he could pick.

But I do like the line in the song that says, "God makes no mistakes." Another reminder that we are all here for a reason...