*Special Note* Erma Bombeck's poem reminds me very much of my Mom. I was only 1 1/2 when diagnosed with Diabetes. I was only speaking a few words and there were very few foods available that were sugar free. Somehow she managed. She gave me roots and she gave me wings, and she taught me how NOT to let this disease stop me from doing anything I wanted to do. She taught me to be self sufficient and to take care of myself. In nearly 29 years of Diabetes, I have never been hospitalized for my Diabetes. My Mom is a remarkable woman and I love her with all my heart. @->->->->-

Mom, this poem and this page are dedicated to YOU!!!!!

 

 

How God Selects The Mother Of A Child With Diabetes

By: Erma Bombeck

 

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. Did you ever wonder how mothers of children with Diabetes are chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

 

"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint Matthew."

"Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron Saint Cecilia."

"Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron Saint Gerard. He's used to profanity."

Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a child with Diabetes." The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

"Exactly", smiles God. "Could I give a child with Diabetes to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she the patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience, or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I am going to give her has her own world. She has to make it live in her world and that's not going to be easy."

"But ,Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."

God smiles. "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."

The angel gasps. "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she cannot separate herself from the child occasionally, she will never survive. Yes, this is a woman whom I will bless with less than perfect."

"She does not realize it yet, but she is to be envied. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see....ignorance, cruelty, prejudice...and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as if she is here by my side."

"And what about her Patron Saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid air. God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."