Learning Grace

I will hold myself to a standard of grace. Not perfection. 

 Oh how I wish this came easily for me.  Tonight as I was bathing the girls I literally was thinking "If I don't have sometime to myself soon I am going to lose my mind."
Then I battled with my guilt in feeling that way. I had this morning to myself! A sitter came so I could go to a work meeting. And for those 3.5 hours I wasn't responsible for anyone but myself.
Except- that's just not true.
In that time I called the pharmacy- to have them call NORD (who pays for one of Emmaus' meds cause its hella expensive) so I could pick up her med this afternoon.
Then I called our insurance company to see if ABA therapy is something they cover. (Looking into options for Emmaus)
Then I got to the meeting.
Then after the meeting I went to costco, the bank, and called Emmaus' current therapy place to see if they offer ABA and to see if they had any other in-home resources for us.

And somehow I think that was "time to myself?"

I feel confident in my ability to mother. I have always wanted to be a mother. I have always had an innate desire to love- and love well. To encourage and speak life and truth and confidence into my children. I feel truly honored to get to mother three girls.


However- I often lack the confidence to mother Emmaus. To provide what she needs, while not making our whole life about her. I struggle with her routine, her appointments, and the administrative duties that come with all her special considerations.

Yesterday I took Emmaus to her autism evaluation. I knew she likely would be diagnosed- clearly she isn't socially appropriate, yet I was surprised when the diagnosis stung. I was surprised how much it tasted like vinegar as the words level two autism were spoken over my girl.
I was unprepared for some of the observations of the doctors. Things I was feeling pretty good about, were explained away in two seconds.  It honestly felt like starting over. Like hearing about TS for the first time.

I don't generally feel much guilt about things- especially in mothering. But yesterday thinking about the sacrifices my other girls will have to make on account of Emmaus. I felt guilty.  Was it fair for us to subject them to this road?
Of course I come back to the reality- that Emmaus is a blessing, and they truly have the reward of a sister like her.  She will always love them, she will teach them, and find simple joy in them.  She will give them perspective and love.
I so wish we could wake up and she could be whole. That I could hear her sweet voice, and know her thoughts.  That she could tell me how she sees the world, what she did at school, what she wants for dinner.

But then- I guess she wouldn't be my Emmaus. Her tender hugs, and wanting to be rocked would end. Surely she wouldn't be immediately calmed by my singing, or holding her tight.  The simplicity that comes with her complexity wouldn't be there.
And though I might have more "me time",  less administrative work and definitely less appointments and therapies, I also wouldn't have this simply beautiful girl slowing me down, teaching me about the reality of life.
So for now I will just work on having grace for myself. In not feeling guilty for running away from home to aimlessly wander hobby lobby and target by myself at night. In allowing myself to be sad, cause gosh darn it I am freaking almost 30 weeks pregnant and the Dr just confirmed Emmaus has Autism. I will work on letting the dishes pile up in the sink (Dan is laughing- cause this comes naturally and doesn't need any work) and holding the girls when they want to be held. When Emmaus comes and finds me in the kitchen, grabs my hand to come to the couch so she can sit in my lap and watch her show, I will join her. Because for now- we need each other. And to have the grace to sit and be still and unproductive must be learned.