Thank You for Picking Me!
From Kate:
Getty I wanted to write this to you on what will be the 2nd Mother’s Day, a day I get to celebrate being your mommy.
Getty when you were born I was over the moon in love with you. The moment the nurse brought me to you, I knew you were something special. I was so excited to become a mom and more importantly, your mom. I’ll be honest I wasn’t sure what it meant to be a mom. Your Grammy had set the bar so high, that I didn’t know if I could do as good of a job.
In hindsight I think I read too much, I conjured up all kinds of things in my head of what I should already know about how to care for you that I think I really stressed myself out. I took classes, researched and one word I kept hearing was the word should. “You should breastfeed, you child should walk at a year old, teething should happen by 5 months.” And you know what Getty, I listened to all of it because I just wanted to do right by you. You deserved anything and everything.
Never in my wildest dreams could I every have imagined that something so devastating could shake our family foundation to the core like SMA did. I remember distinctly in between the pediatrician and neurology appointment looking at you and telling you, “Getty you can’t leave me.” I had no idea what fate was going to serve us, but there was something telling my heart that something wasn’t right. We had only known each other for a few months and for you to leave me was out of the question. Incomprehensible to think a diagnosis could be so grim.
My eyes were focused on your little body as he said, “two years”. I didn’t cry, I didn’t feel, I just froze.
Since that day your Daddy and I have done everything in or power to make sure that every day is filled with love and happiness.
Getty you are my constant teacher. You teach me to be patient, unconditional, resilient and strong. You continue to teach me humility and compassion. You are so forgiving of my “mommy moments”. I think what you continue to teach me and that I can’t thank you enough is if I follow my heart then anything is possible.
Getty you are my buddy. I look forward to sleeping by your side and waking up in your presence. I enjoy spending time with you during the day. You are so curious and mischievous. I enjoy watching you when you experience new things. Your caterpillars will be hatching soon and I look forward to experiencing that with you. The zoo is calling your name and I cannot wait to see you see live animals bigger than your kitties and puppy.
You have given me so many incredible memories in the last 13 months and I look forward to making more with you and daddy.
Getty I love you with all of my being and I want to thank you for letting me be your mommy, thank you for picking me. You are the best gift I could have ever asked for.
7
May
2011
15 Comments
May
2011
15 Comments
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Happy Mother’s Day to you Kate. You’re right…..Getty picked “you”, the best mother EVER. I wasn’t the one, although I have 2 “babies” 32 and 27. No other mother would do….Getty waited for you. As I’ve traveled this journey with your family, and having never met you, I feel like you’re family. Bless you all, on this special day tomorrow…Mother’s Day.
Thank you so much JoEL. I really appreciate the kind words.
Such a beautiful post! Happy Mother’s Day to an amazing mom!
Thank you Danna!
Kate,
Just wanted to say hello. I’m fairly new to your blog….I found you via another blog I read (don’t ask which one because I follow too many to remember…Pioneer woman maybe or Girlsgonechild?). Anyhow, I, like many others had no clue was SMA was until I started to read your blog. My heart has broken a million times over for you all. I have (to date) been unable to have children of my own. We found out about a year ago that I have myotonic dystrophy (most common adult form of muscular dystrophy) so in order to prevent the disease we have to either do PGD or use donor eggs. We all know the cost of that is quite high so we’re not there yet. I hope so before I turn 40 (I’m 34 now). Anyhow…I’m rambling…I’ve been known to do that. Last night as my husband was driving me home from work (badly sprained ankle so driving is a CHALLENGE..haha) we were behind a car and their license plate said “STOPSMA”. Prior to reading your blog I would have had no clue what that meant. Now that I do know I nearly burst into tears. My husband probably thought I was nuts! Anyhow, I just wanted you to know you’re not alone in this big, bad fight! Blessings to you on Mother’s Day #2. The day is always hard for me….maybe because it feels like a reminder of what I cannot have right now.
I hope in time, you will be rewarded with a bundle of joy. I wish that for any one trying to become a mommy. They are a gift. Thank you for sharing your story. I love the story of the license plate. We just need to keep talking about SMA and one day everyone will know.
What a beautiful post Kate. I always feel so fortunate to be Gwendolyn’s mom. I wish SMA were not part of the equation, but even with it I know I am lucky to be in the presence of such a special person. Getty is so lucky to have you for her Mama and all the love you give her. Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to you Victoria. If I know Gwendolyn enough, I am certain she has something up her sleeve on how to make this day wonderful for you.
One of the best post I ever read! Happy Mothers Day to you too! Love you my friend and yes Getty picked the right one!
Love you Friend. I hope you have a special day.
I think this is the most beautifully written mother’s day post. Happy Mother’s Day. I admire your strength and appreciate you sharing your story.
Thank you Emily!
Happy Mother’s Day! Getty is so lucky to have such an inspiring devoted mum!
Thank you Catherine.
Kate, this little entry warmed my heart. You and Getty are special energies in this world, just making it just a bit more brighter. You both are amazing and I cannot wait to start helping with whatever I can do. 🙂