"Just found out that there's a therapeutic horseback riding place in Wylie with special saddles for JRA patients. Now to figure out how to pay for it.............."
and an amazing thing happened. People offered to help foot the bill. It wasn't why I wrote it, to ask for money. With a little sacrifice and juggling around, we could cover it. Not easily, but we could.
I was overcome by the outpouring of generosity and knew immediately what it was. It was a sigh of relief. For the last few months, readers, family, and friends have watched our unfolding drama and wanted only to help. They waited anxiously for me to simply ask so that they could happily ease our burdens. I haven't asked.
I wonder now if that has been unfair to those around us. Am I taking something away from them by not allowing them to step in? I have watched the private tragedies of others and wished only to step in. In some way, contributing to their efforts would ease my own worry. Is it selfish of me not to ask?
I don't know. I'm beginning to think it might be.
Several friends suggested I add a paypal link and fund raise on my blog. They bet it would take only a single day. A few even made public pledges.
I cried.
I have no words which can adequately express the love and gratitude I have for all those who were immediately willing and ready to help us and our girl. We don't need it today. We've got this one. By cutting back a bit and giving up a little, we can cover this one.
The reality is that JRA is a lifelong disease and we are 4 months into the battle. The day may come when we need help, and now I know that all I have to do is ask. I can't tell you the comfort and peace that brings me. But not today. I would be foolish to exhaust my help on a hill this small when there may be mountains up ahead.
So, my much loved ones, thank you for your offers. You have shown me that I need to ask more often. I need to learn to lean on those around me, because they want so desperately to help. You've helped me to see that it is only pride which stops me silent when there are so many willing hands to share this load.
I promise I will ask. The day will come when I need you, and I love knowing that you are here. That day is not today.
Thank you.
6 comments:
I truly hope horseback riding is something your daughter can enjoy. Here's hoping there's a smile on her face soon.
Hugs and prayers always, and any help I can send when you are ready.
Sara M.
My blind niece was able to enjoy therapeutic riding until the facility got shut down because the owners sold it to some big developers so that a new high rise could be built. She really enjoyed it. My daughter also took a course in therapeutic riding when she was in college (she was an animal sciences major specializing in equine and companion animals), and she saw the different types of kids who could benefit from it. Our vet's daughter has JRA and riding was one of the joys of her life. She was wheelchair bound at one point, but after some surgery she had some major improvement. She's now in college and has far better mobility than she did at 11. I hope that riding proves to be a wonderful special thing for your daughter. The horses used in therapeutic riding are really special animals. I'm sure she'll fall in love with them. Welcome to the club of mothers who drive their kids to riding lessons! I'm a retired member now, but those hours in the car to and from the stable were some of the most special mommy daughter hours of our lives.
therapeutic horseback riding is awesome. And how great you have so many willing to help - it's humbling to receive it, but such a blessing to both giver and receiver.
When I was lamenting to my mother (long distance) that I would need to rely on friends yet AGAIN for another medical issue (within 3 years we experienced: 2 miscarriages, my father passed away from cancer, we had another baby (yay!) and my husband was diagnosed with cancer) she gently reminded me that maybe my being here in NJ without family nearby to step in was a way for others to earn grace. It was the first time that I turned the way I looked at such needs/suffering around and examined it from the "outside." I hate asking for help! My friends have come through for me in spades and the grace they've earned comforts me in my need. Such a wonderful way to look at things when you have no choice but to rely on others in your time of need. God bless you and your beautiful family.
When you let people help you, you have no idea how much you bless THEM. For some people, putting a check in the mail is all they can do - but the ability to do that helps them feel more connected, draws them closer to God.
Praying for you and your family.
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