Dad's Role

     Since learning that Maya's disability provides life and people with the opportunity to find and use one's character to fully function at it's maximum capacity, my role as Dad changed. 
     I used to do my usual everyday routine as a dad with Maya, until I realized that was not what she needed and that's not what I needed for her to have a better standard of living.  What was I missing?  I was not providing the opportunity she was giving me. 
     A lot of times I've heard a family member of mine say," There is no God because if there was one, why would He allow things like this to happen."  He meant things like my daughter being born this way.  Well, my daughter was born this way for a reason.  I believe, she is meant for something special, something myself and others that are "normal" can't do.  She provides the purpose.  The purpose for all the things that we live for on a daily basis, the purpose of using the true value of what we earn.  What we earn from learning and doing.  Not money of course, this has way more value than just money.  Money is a man made tool that can either fill or destroy, it can be used to help or confuse.  No, the value that I am talking about here is providing the purpose. 
      Have you ever come across a situation where someone looks like their having a difficult day or are so focused on something that they aren't paying attention to the world around them?  Well, if a person with special needs, especially in a wheel chair or not being able to move properly comes around, what happens?  Whether you are lucky enough to have a person with CP in your household or know someone with CP, you will notice a lot of peculiar gestures in life.  The person not paying attention will usually stop and refocus and move out of the way or give a brief stare or take a few extra steps and open the door for the needed brother or sister. I've seen people arguing while moving Maya in their direction and watched the argument stop as Maya approached them.  Heck, I even pushed Maya's chair a little slower so that there would be a longer pause and maybe end the tension that was felt from afar.  But, why is it that this happens almost automatically?  Because, when we see these special beings amongst us, we are reminded of God's grace.  We are reminded of our gains and blessings really fast aren't we.  The things we take for granted.  Then suddenly, things aren't just the same anymore.