Name withheld by request
As a grandparent to three lively boys whose Mommy is dealing with MCTD, the challenges are great! She underwent Stem Cell treatment last year, in hopes of a cure. She was the first patient in the US to try stem cell treatment for this autoimmune disease. It’s helped, some, but stem cells multiply slowly and that leaves a lot of room for continued pain. Recently, she was encouraged by all her doctors to try another pregnancy.
She is now in the 19th-week of gestation. However, her kidneys are not working as they should and it looks like the baby will be taken very early to prevent toxemia from resulting in a stillbirth. In the past, there were days she was unable to lift the baby (now age three) for diaper changes. When she has a good day, we try to make the most out of it, but that often results in her overdoing.
My help is needed, but I’ve had to deal with setting limits for myself. Because I volunteer to do too much, that’s my fault. Energy does run out and did even in my 30’s. Now, in my 60’s the lack of energy seems to sneak up on me. Open communication is so important. I’ve read the book Boundaries, by Townsend. That helped a lot!
By setting limits, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the progress made with disciplining the boys. The youngest one learned very early to climb up on the bed and position himself for diaper changes. The two older boys learned to care for the little one for snacks, etc. They dress themselves and sometimes look very mismatched! Shoes are sometimes on the wrong feet, but they fastened them all by themselves! The independence they’ve gained is a great encouragement to me and to our entire family. What began with the pity party for “deprived” children, has turned out to be a celebration
The independence they’ve gained is a great encouragement to me and to our entire family. What began with the pity party for “deprived” children, has turned out to be a celebration for independence and survival. They may not be meeting the “standard” way of being raised, but the good that I see is a family strong on love, while short on the “mommy do” list! God is good, all the time!
Featured image is not of the boys mentioned in the letter. Inserted for artistic purposes only and of no relation to author.