Dear Hurting Child of Mine (and to all those hurting children/teens that some I know and thousands I don’t know),
First of all, I want you to know that I am sorry for your suffering and hardships. I would take it instantly upon myself if I could. I love you so much I could burst with how it breaks my heart to see you hurting. I pray daily for your illness to be healed, for your suffering to end and wait anxiously for God to answer. I hate that you are having to grow up so fast and carry such a heavy load. Each time I see you or meet another like you, I am in awe of the life sparkling in your eyes just waiting to be allowed a way out.
Over the many years we have struggled together, I have watched and learned things about you and the life you have had to live and I want to tell you about what I see.
You have learned to appreciate the good times and fleeting moments of “freedom”. Freedom from pain, suffering, exhaustion and hardship no matter small or short they seem. You are genuinely grateful and the simple things of life bring such contentment and peace.
Your joy pours out onto to others in all you do. You give life your all despite the circumstances life has handed you. You have no idea how tremendous a gift this is and what a splendor it is to witness. Not everyone understands how big the small things are that you conquer each day, but I know and God knows. You will be rewarded greatly in heaven. Not only that, you will be rewarded greatly here on earth, for this quality is almost unheard of anymore.
Your perseverance is without equal among your peers. Continuing to get up out of bed each day I realize is a chore and an insurmountable barrier at times, but still you do it without complaint. You never give up, yes, you have wanted to at times and that is no sin. Sometimes wanting the pain and sickness to end is part of the fight that fuels you on another round. You will find this kind of perseverance is the kind that can win gold medals, climb to the top of mountains and can do anything that you set your mind to do.
Don’t look at your friends for guidance through this, they might fail you and let you down. Most grownups have trouble navigating hardship with friends because innately we are selfish creatures who give up when it gets tough. Kids and Teenagers don’t have the capacity to emotionally process your illness, especially if you don’t look sick all the time. Don’t compare your life to theirs, it will only bring you more pain and sadness. They will learn at another time some sort of hardship and pain, it cannot be avoided in this life. Let God decide what and when and just carry the burden that is yours. Remember that we have only one shot at this life so we must give it all we have the first time around.
Don’t spend time wondering “why me”, you will get lost in that vacuum of space because there is no real answer to that question. Someday, you will look back and see the blessing in this. Someday you will. Until that day, trust that God loves you and he will never leave or forsake you. His strength is made perfect in your weakness. It is through the Holy Spirit that you can have courage each day. Jesus is the answer. There is no better way to endure this struggle than with God on your side.
None of us can ever know exactly what you feel or what you endure, but know that I admire you for living it like you are.
Just know that I am never disappointed in you. I am never upset when you are sad or scared or discouraged. That is part of the road and journey we are on. I will cry with you, I will hold you, I will watch late night tv with you when you can’t sleep. I will be there. I am here, always.
I am your biggest fan. I am your encourager, your confidant, your coach and your advocate. I will fight for you and against this with all that I have.
I just want you to know you are my hero. Your strength and endurance are immeasurable and our love for you is endless.
Blessings and healing,
A MOM – Janice Fairbairn (The Lyme Evangelist)
softcover book – http://www.amazon.com/author/janicefairbairn
eBook – http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/JustLivingLikeThisWithLyme
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