TINY BLESSINGS

I started my day today like most.  I turned on CNN and listened to the news.  It was another day of negative housing and economy news.  The reporter said foreclosures are at an all time high, mortgages are harder to get, and the housing market is going through a period of adjustment.  I thought here we go again!  As a real estate broker, I would be lying if I said the state of today's real estate market did not concern me.  I decided to take the day off and spend some time with my two local granddaughters, Margaret and Emily.  Both are beautiful, fun, and amazing beyond compare; and I cherish the opportunity of being their grandmother.  I can go on and on about Margaret with how smart she is, her fun-filled joy for life, and her amazing personality.  I will spend another day and another blog focusing on Margaret's many delights.  Today, however, I will talk about baby Emily.  I remember the day Emily was born 18 months ago.  We were so surprised to learn that day Emily was born with Down Syndrome.  As a family we all shared our fears of the unknown.  My son, Craig, who I remember just recently as a rambunctious little boy, showed fortitude as a man that day.  It was amazing how he stepped up by assuring all of us everything would be ok!  I do believe God personally hand picks the parents for these beautiful children.  God certainly knew what he was doing when he picked Craig and his wife, Meg, to raise baby Emily.  Time has passed and Craig and Meg have done a great job helping Emily grow into a beautiful, happy, and adventurous toddler.  Emily brings joy to everyone who comes in contact with her.  She smiles, blows kisses, and waves when you enter a room.  I recently read something quite profound, "God put Down Syndrome children on earth for a specific reason.  It is evident that God had a hand at work when you look at their faces and see all of the similarities.  Children and adults with Down Syndrome look like brothers and sisters and react that way when meeting each other for the first time.  How could that not be by design?"  I am told Emily is an angel, will never sin, and has a place in heaven.  You can see God's blessings in her eyes.  I believe our family is on a rewarding journey with baby Emily.  She may take longer to learn to walk, talk, etc., but she will, and it will be on her timeline.  I plan to cherish every milestone, celebrate her accomplishments, and delight in her joy.  When the going gets tough in real estate, I will think of baby Emily and that all is right with the world!