The amount of love that has been swirling around the blogosphere this week has been overwhelming, in the truest sense of the world. I have been, I am, overwhelmed, bowled over, engulfed by all of the love.
The auction for Tanner is proceedingly wonderfully – much bidding activity; much discussion around the blogosphere; much, much generosity of time and of word and of spirit on display. Much celebration of a truly extraordinary little boy.
But he’s not the only extraordinary child in the world. All children are extraordinary, of course. But there are many, many other children out there who are special because they are living their extraordinary lives differently – they have less time, perhaps, or less mobility. They lack certain things that we take for granted – physical strength, agility, the expectation of a full future. But what they have in common is this: they more than make up for whatever it is that they lack (things that we probably imagine that we could not do without) with extraordinary hearts and extraordinary spirits. They are bright, they are brilliant, they are full of hope.
I’ve learned this from Tanner. My sister reminded me of it the other day, when she wrote me to ask me to say thank you to all of my wonderful internet friends. But I’ve also, this week, been learning this lesson all over again by reading about such amazing children as KayTar, who has been diagnosed as having benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy (BPTI), and who has the most beautiful eyes, and Ben, who has a extremely rare genetic disorder scientifically known as Tetrasomy 12p. He’s Tanner’s age, and he’s a gifted artist who does paintings with his dad, Bennie (you can purchase their art through their website; partial proceeds to charities supporting Ben.)
And I’ve had the opportunity to learn, all over again, just how extraordinary are the parents and families of these children. My friend Mad wrote about her niece’s battle with cancer, and moved me to tears with her description of her family’s struggle – a struggle that I know too well – to deal with the pain and the fear that attend such battles. And, and… as always, there was my beloved T., of Redneck Mommy, who offered the warmest virtual hugs, and who knows, too well, too personally, such battles.
These lessons, these are gifts. Great gifts.
I’m grateful.
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Still lots of time to check out the auction, buy some tickets, write some letters, spread the love…
I read this earlier, but I guess I never commented. Thanks for mentioning my beautiful girl. Honestly, my life has been turned upside down in the last 4 months and the blogosphere has been my anchor. The daily outpouring of love and support is just amazing. I don’t know how I would have dealt with things if I hadn’t stumbled into BlogLand. I’m thankful every day for the people who reach out in little ways and touch our lives.
I’m glad the auction is going so well. All of these efforts in the blogosphere to support these children are amazing. But it’s really the children and families themselves who are MOST amazing. They are really inspiring in how they handle these illnesses with such grace.
Catherine, once again you have left me speechless. I thank you. And thank you so much for supporting my Ben. It means every thing, especially at this time of year. Now I have to go dig up some more damn kleenex…
We are so greatful as well for the support the Blogosphere has provided us. Of course there are the difficult times, the hardships, the fears, the sacrifices we have to write about to provide “flesh” for each journey. But the true “heart and soul” of our the journey is the joy, the encouragement, the bravery these children show and teach us. That my friends is the real story these children want to share.