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Families and Parents
Starting the NewYear with Hope
At the beginning, when I was completely
devastated, the mother of a 7 year-old boy with
disabilities toldme: 'I wish I could take you ahead
in time seven years and show you how you will
be.'
|
Ruti Gaon
He has this look when something really exciting happens to
him. He tilts his head downward a bit, he breaks into a little
smile, his eyes twinkle - lookingaheadandupward - andalmost
meet his eyebrows. The eyebrows move up and down as if
they are dancing.
"One more push and he’s out," I am told as I look at him again,
andbreathe in asmuch air as I can, closemy eyes andpushwith
all the strength I have left until I hear the baby cry. The first cry.
I can’t stand it when babies cry, but this was a different kind of
crying. Ahappy cry. I openedmy eyes in happiness, smiled and
breathed a sigh of relief reserved only for mothers who have
just given birth. But the look on his face changed…" This is how
I described in my book the moment that changedmy life. The
moment that I thought was the end of myworld. Themoment
when my third son, Erez, was born with a rare syndrome."
"At thebeginning, when I was completelydevastated, amother
of a 7 year-old boy with disabilities told me: 'I wish I could
take you ahead in time seven years and show you how you
will be.' Erez is a little older than seven, and since then, I quit
a demanding job and intensive work schedule. I abandoned
many of my earlier behavior and perceptions, and I fell in love
with the real me. Today, I run a business; andmore importantly,
I am in the midst of writing a book. Me? A book? Who would
have believed it: The journey was not a simple one, but each
and every day I thankmy son Erez for coming intomy life, and
thank myself for the path I chose."
Thanks to her, I have learned and amstill learning
to live in the moment, to enjoy what there is
and what I have |
Michal Unger
My Yuli will be two years old this summer. I look at her, at her
sea-blue eyes, her winning smile, and her dimples, and am
enchanted by her. I wonder again for the millionth time what
exactly is going on in her head - if only I could know…
Since the day she was born, my Yuli, the youngest of my
daughters, lights up my life and teaches me countless lessons
about life, determination andcourage, about true andcomplete
love, without expectations, unconditional acceptance, the ability
to see the small glimmers of light, because even tiny steps for
us are giant strides - and they empower us until the next time.
She taught me how to live in themoment, to enjoy what there
is and what I have.
I have also grown, alongside Yuli. Seven years ago, at the end
ofmy 40s, after years of practicing as an attorney, I discovered
that I was different. My values hadchanged, andwith itmy list of
priorities. I enrolled in amaster’s degreeprogram in art therapy;
and since then, I have been treating children and adults with
emotional andpsychological difficulties, workingonprocesses
of change andgrowth. I treat eachperson according to his/her
own pace and in the manner that suits him/her best. And the
journey? It’s carved with uncertainty and a lack of knowledge,
but always involves searching for those small steps which in
the end lead to significant changes and successes.