"IMAGINE"

"Imagine"


The mail brought the usual bills today. The radio told of minor car accidents, a falling Stock Market and talked about who was performing the worst on American Idol last night.

The phone rang and it was a telemarketer wanting my input on global issues. My bank statement had more checks than deposits. My emails were all funny jokes or blue humour, a light hearted approach to serious subjects like the next Election, the Pope and of course, the usual "dumb" Newfoundland joke.

My dog needed walking but I chose to selfishly spend 15 minutes on my exercise bike so I could watch Regis & Kelly. My attic needed cleaning up so as it is above freezing outside today, I went up there and worked a bit until I got too cold and missed the warmth of my living room.

I couldn't decide on what to eat so I fried some bologna and eggs; fixed a hot chocolate to drink. I read the newspaper on line and wrote a bit more on a story I've begun. I sang along to the old Country tunes from Eastlink TV's daily program, songs I love by Connie Francis, Neal Sedaka and Roy Orberson.

I sewed a button on my jacket; fixed a salad for lunch; plucked my eyebrows; brushed my teeth; ironed three outfits; answered another phone call; did a crossword puzzle; bathed my dog; vacuumned my area rugs; made my bed. All of the things I do daily or weekly and never think twice about: needing/having/using my own eyes and ears.

Imagine a world where there is no day light; simply darkness, pitch blackness. Close your eyes tightly and hold them there for the count of 10.

Now imagine a world where there is not one sound, not the noise of people talking, traffic moving, television blaring, popcorn popping, music playing and not even hearing the sound of your own screaming. With your eyes still tightly shut, cover both ears and press tightly with your hands.

Now imagine knowing a person like that; a human being who is disabled FOREVER in his or her own private Hell. Worse, imagine that person being a small child of age two or three. Would you want to be their parent?

Now imagine that you are; not the parent to just one blind/deaf little girl; not the mommy or daddy of just one child but two; twins. Now, imagine being the mother of THREE of them, triplets. All blind, living in not color as we do; not even in black and white; but all black. All deaf, 100%. Their world hears no Barney songs, no soothing bedtime stories, no silly rhymes and cartoons. Their head is silent; their eyes & ears are parts of their head. But they are of no use to them whatsoever.

I "saw" and "heard" this true but horrific story on the Dr. Phil Show today and it touched my heart. Imagine having triplets; now imagine being told that one is deaf; now imagine being told one is blind; then, finally, being told that all three of your triplet newborn babies are deaf AND blind, with NO chance of ever hearing or seeing.

The mother is young, gorgeous enough to be a famous model, a dedicated and loving mommy who is totally overwhelmed but never willing to even think about placing them somewhere other than "home" with her. (her second husband helps but is close to running)

As I cook supper and plan my evening around a long, hot bath, a good book and yes, American Idol, I feel as if God is trying to tell me something. My back aches tonight from exercising and vacuuming and my hands are cold from keeping the heat on 59F to save money and my bank balance is dangerously low. But imagine trading places with that woman in the USA? No way!

God has a way of selecting the right parents for His special needs children and I thank Him for that. There but for the Grace of God, go I.