My beautiful daughter was born 12 years ago at 7:12 a.m. Who would have thought that this little girl would change our lives so immensely? Most children are life changing, but having a child diagnosed with special needs is life changing and heart breaking. As many of you know Cortney has Cerebral Palsy. She has mental impairment, physical handicaps, visual problems, sensory issues, and is delayed in most facets of her life. I can't explain how challenging and yet rewarding it has been to raise her. On one hand she breaks my heart everyday when I see how difficult it is to bring a spoon to her lips, or to change a prepubescent girl's diaper, or see her enjoy things that most toddlers enjoy.....I could sit and cry if I think about it too long. On the other hand she has taught us to NEVER take anything for granted, patience, patience, patience!, the constant joy of a little girl's laugh! The unbelievable feeling when she accomplishes things for the first time...even if it IS a swear word! It has taught us to not worry so much about what other people think....believe me we attract a lot of attention and have gotten some unneeded advice! It has taught us that there ARE TONS of wonderful, helpful, caring people out there! Many of my friends would never have come into my life without Cortney. She is truly a beautiful angel, who is blessed with a smile, laughter, and innocence at all times! But If I could snap my fingers and make her life "normal" I would do it in a heartbeat...but for now she is simply my newly, 12 year old...... Cortney. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! SWEET GIRL!
9 comments:
Happy Birthday Courtney! Being a friend of one of her grandmother's I know first hand that she is the most loved child alive and you, Michelle, are an amazing woman and mother. What you can accomplish in a day is incredible and I have so much respect for you. So, congratulations to you too Michelle on twelve years of showing love, determination, PATIENCE and devotion to such a wonderful child. Hats off to all of you on this very special day!
Amazing what life's challenges teach you, isn't it.
So sweet!
Happy Birthday Courtney!!!
Happy Birthday to your daughter. What a sweet one!
THANKS FOR THE PRAYER! GOD CHOSE YOU FOR COURTNEY BECAUSE HE KNEW YOU WERE STRONG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE OBSTACLES. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SWEET COURTNEY! DON'T THE YEARS GO BY SO FAST?
Cortney's smile says it all in that picture! My oldest son's birthday is also on May 1st. What a lovely page you've made!
Michele, not only can you scrap and photograph well...but you are also a gifted writer. Just had t wipe a little tear out of my eyes.
Happy birthday Courtney! Hugs and smiles to you both!
totally crying here!
happy birthday courtney!
Michelle have just read your blog and want you to know that by reading this you have touched the lives of many!
Why! Because you have taken this special child under your arms and as a family, husband wife,family, and friends you are supported in caring for your special child, and you have heaps of laugh. Hope Courtney had a lovely day!
I have a special brother, now 43.
We love him very much and give him all the pleasures we can, my parents have been given the strength by God too, to take care of him for so many years. He has been in our church Special Needs home for some years now, but we see him everyweek on a Friday night i go there and we see him in church every Sunday.
He is always happy even if he's communication isnt the best we all understand eachother, just love and affection that's what they need and to see them happy makes us happy.
May God continue to bless you and hubby with strength to care for her!
Sorry Michelle i meant to say you have heaps of love(not laugh) well maybe that too!
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