How God Selects…By Erma Bombeck

When my son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in December 2005 (3 days before Christmas) at the age of 8 I didn’t know what to expect.
I didn’t know anybody with diabetes. I was terrified and worried that I won’t be able to give him the proper care and support children with diabetes need.  I prayed day and night for strength and wisdom to be able to do it.

Of course I was not able to let my son know how scared I was. He needed  my strength as much as he needed his.

Here was this little boy who had to grow up overnight and who’s life will never be just ordinary. Another little child with Juvenile diabetes who’s parents will always worry about him no matter where he is and with whom he is. Another family who’s life will change forever all because of this awful disease.

One of Many Hospital Visits Before the Insulin Pump

I spend many sleepless nights watching my son and crying quietly beside him. One day few months after he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and we were having tough time I opened my email and there was this poem written by Erma Bombeck.

I don’t really know who sent it, but whoever it was thank you. It’s been almost 4 years and I keep this poem in my desk and read it everytime  it seems like the diabetes is winning.

If you know any mom with diabetic children or you are one I hope this poem will lift your spirits and helps you to have a good cry (we need it sometimes).

HOW GOD SELECTS THE MOTHER OF A CHILD WITH DIABETES

by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. Did you ever wonder how mothers of children with diabetes are chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

“Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint Matthew.”

“Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron Saint Cecilia.”

“Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron Saint Gerard. He’s used to profanity.”

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, “Give her a child with diabetes.” The angel is curious. “Why this one, God? She’s so happy.”

“Exactly”, smiles God. “Could I give a child with diabetes to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel.”

“But has she the patience?” asks the angel.

“I don’t want her to have too much patience, or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she’ll handle it. I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I am going to give her has her own world. She has to make it live in her world and that’s not going to be easy.”

“But Lord, I don’t think she even believes in you.”

God smiles. “No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness.”

The angel gasps. “Selfishness? Is that a virtue?”

God nods. “If she cannot separate herself from the child occasionally, she will never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with less than perfect.”

“She does not realize it yet, but she is to be envied. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see…ignorance, cruelty, prejudice…and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as if she is here by my side.”

“And what about her patron saint?” asks the angel, his pen poised in mid air. God smiles. “A mirror will suffice.”

~By Erma Bombeck