In Honor of Martin Luther King

When I think of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., thoughts of freedom of speech, the freedom to live, the freedom to choose, and the freedom to be different comes to my mind. I grew up hearing about this great man, my parents honored and respected him in many ways. When the anniversary of his death came, we would all sit and watch actors reenact his life and his untimely death. I recall crying when the part came showing that he had died as if he was a member of my family. I remember feeling confused, anger, sadness, disappointment, happiness, and a sense of pride as I watched the events of his life unfold.

It has been 44 years that Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968 however, we celebrate his life on his birthday January 15th. I was obviously not born when King was assassinated, but his dream lives within me. As I learned that there was a possibility that on December 26, 1995 that I would deliver a premature baby I felt a huge sense of confusion and fear. First, this was my first baby and she was not ready to come out yet and I was confused why God was allowing me to experience this ordeal. As the years passed after Jordan was born I felt angry because she didn't walk, she could barely sit up without having support at 9 months old! I was sad for the future of my daughter and disappointed that I couldn't do anything about it but deal with it.

Jordan was different, and that made me a different mom. But, as the years came I matured as a person and as a mother. I began to understand that this was all in God's plan. He presented me with a challenge to take adversity, opposition, setbacks, heartache, disappointment, anger, resentment, guilt, and shame and turn into love, happiness, understanding, commitment, and dedication. I dedicated my life to Jordan and the care of her, the understanding of cerebral palsy, and the commitment to make a change and to get others to understand. I am proud to be her mother, I am proud that God choose me. The condition of cerebral palsy can occur before, during, and after birth which means no child is free, and no parent is safe. Don't get me wrong, I have my moments, and my issues to overcome. But I declared my life to be about a process of change, commitment, and understanding. And THAT is unconditional love!

Just as Dr. King, I have a dream that one day the world will understand more about cerebral palsy and the extensive commitment from professionals and parents it takes to help those effected. My goal is to bring awareness, understanding, and the possibility of limitless resources to help the condition. I hope that one day when somebody sees me walking with the wheelchair that they smile and say "I understand" and not wonder "what happened"? I may not get there, but I've been to the mountain top too, and I see the promises God made for Jordan and for other children and families that live with cerebral palsy. Pray for me, as I pray for you and that God continues to use me for his service, for your service, so that my living may not be in vain!

Enjoy the day!