Normal?

      Jeffrey and I had a moment...well, we had quite a few moments during his hour and a half shower.
      Sunday, today, is the first day Jeffrey is permitted to shower post-surgery. He knew it was coming today but has been anxious about it being difficult and painful. It was on so many levels.
      Pulling off the tape was the most physically challenging and painful. However, a conversation that took place was mentally draining...on both of us.
      It all started with the question, "Why can't I just be 'normal'?" Wow! He went there. "You're normal, Jack's normal, Dad's normal...etc." It broke my heart to hear him say this because no one wants to hear their baby feel this way, but also because how dare you assume there even IS a normal.
      I replied after a few seconds of looking at the ceiling, trying to hold back the tears myself. Instead, I let them fall as he looked at me curiously. At this point, we are about 35 minutes into his shower. It was a struggle to get him in the shower, the brace off, and then rip off the bandages. We were already drained, then his comment.
So, I wanted to make this a teachable moment for him to try to be a little more humble. My wisdom to him was this...
"There is no NORMAL. What you think of is a person with no physical ailments, but believe me, everyone has their struggles. You know how mommy takes her pill every morning? Well, it's because she struggles with a mental issue called depression and anxiety. I get nervous in certain situations, I feel sad for no reason...etc. You can't see it, but I can feel it and it is hard to live with. Medicine helps. Daddy, takes medicine every day because his family has heart issues. He struggles with high blood pressure. So, I know you are suffering and it sucks. I am sorry it hurts on so many levels, but before you go and question why God made you the way you are, please remember, He made all of us to be who we need to be. You are strong for so many who struggle. They see you and think, wow, I'm gonna be okay. He can do this, I can do this. We love you and are here for you, you are special but no better or worse than anyone else."
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu:  'May all beings be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all.