Mom on a Mission column Feb 2007

[Guest guest]

Mom on a Mission: Michele Westmaas

What makes us whole? What gives us our worth?

These are some of life's questions that have been answered since the birth

of my daughter nine years ago. She was born with serious medical

complications due to a genetic disorder. The first year of her life was

spent keeping her alive, keeping her nourished, figuring out how to meet her

many needs, and juggling impossible numbers of doctor and therapy

appointments. There wasn't much time to enjoy her babyhood. In the

beginning, she was more a bundle of medical problems than a bundle of joy.

How does a mother bond with a bundle of medical problems?

Our daughter had an identity in our family long before her birth. We named

her. We painted her room pink. We planned for her arrival. We shared her

ultrasound photos with family and friends.

At the time, our son was six-years-old and the joy of our lives. If he had

an accident or injury bringing about the same level of need and stripping

him of his abilities, we would love him no less. In fact, we would fight to

nurture the beauty and growth of his soul in spite of whatever limitations

he may have.

If any one of us were disabled by illness or injury, we would still be the

same person that we are today. Our souls would remain in tact. Our dignity

and rights would remain the same. Our value would not change. Our inner

selves, our souls, remain constant regardless of how our life circumstances

change over time.

So it is with my daughter. Her soul is whole and beautiful. She is the

same person we anticipated and welcomed into our family. The body carrying

that soul is not as we expected. But she is the same. She is a whole,

valuable human being with all of the rights and dignity as everyone else.

And so it is with all people - disabled or not, black or white, young or

old, male or female, Catholic or Jewish, rich or poor. We are all valuable,

worthwhile human beings just by virtue of being. Inside each of us is a

soul holding all that is right with the world. When you see someone who is

different, in any way, remember that their soul is the same as your soul.

Their humanity is your humanity. We share one world and one human

experience regardless of the specifics of our bodies and our circumstances.

We are whole and valuable because we are.

Michele Westmaas is a mom, a wife, and an advocate for people with

disabilities.

Contact Michele by email at momonamission@....

[if you wish to be removed from this distribution list, please send your

request to momonamission@....]

[Guest guest]

On -

What a lovely way of walking someone around the thoughts. Beautiful. Thank you

for posting and sharing this and of yourself-

with love,

yuka

Mom on a Mission column Feb 2007

Mom on a Mission: Michele Westmaas

What makes us whole? What gives us our worth?

These are some of life's questions that have been answered since the birth

of my daughter nine years ago. She was born with serious medical

complications due to a genetic disorder. The first year of her life was

spent keeping her alive, keeping her nourished, figuring out how to meet her

many needs, and juggling impossible numbers of doctor and therapy

appointments. There wasn't much time to enjoy her babyhood. In the

beginning, she was more a bundle of medical problems than a bundle of joy.

How does a mother bond with a bundle of medical problems?

Our daughter had an identity in our family long before her birth. We named

her. We painted her room pink. We planned for her arrival. We shared her

ultrasound photos with family and friends.

At the time, our son was six-years-old and the joy of our lives. If he had

an accident or injury bringing about the same level of need and stripping

him of his abilities, we would love him no less. In fact, we would fight to

nurture the beauty and growth of his soul in spite of whatever limitations

he may have.

If any one of us were disabled by illness or injury, we would still be the

same person that we are today. Our souls would remain in tact. Our dignity

and rights would remain the same. Our value would not change. Our inner

selves, our souls, remain constant regardless of how our life circumstances

change over time.

So it is with my daughter. Her soul is whole and beautiful. She is the

same person we anticipated and welcomed into our family. The body carrying

that soul is not as we expected. But she is the same. She is a whole,

valuable human being with all of the rights and dignity as everyone else.

And so it is with all people - disabled or not, black or white, young or

old, male or female, Catholic or Jewish, rich or poor. We are all valuable,

worthwhile human beings just by virtue of being. Inside each of us is a

soul holding all that is right with the world. When you see someone who is

different, in any way, remember that their soul is the same as your soul.

Their humanity is your humanity. We share one world and one human

experience regardless of the specifics of our bodies and our circumstances.

We are whole and valuable because we are.

Michele Westmaas is a mom, a wife, and an advocate for people with

disabilities.

Contact Michele by email at momonamission@....

[if you wish to be removed from this distribution list, please send your

request to momonamission@....]

[Guest guest]

oh ilove thsi collum to and ur right no one could love there kids more or

less i know of a few firends who fams r a bit kinda dotn let her do stuff

coz they r disabled one such friend from school gotr married off so her

mother didnt have to look after her all her life wich was stupid but as u

say different cultures have their way but me i like the charge way theway so

many mums i know practise chargers or not that is unconditional llove and

support love u all

>

> On -

>

> What a lovely way of walking someone around the thoughts. Beautiful. Thank

> you for posting and sharing this and of yourself-

>

> with love,

>

> yuka

>

> Mom on a Mission column Feb 2007

>

> Mom on a Mission: Michele Westmaas

>

> What makes us whole? What gives us our worth?

>

> These are some of life's questions that have been answered since the birth

> of my daughter nine years ago. She was born with serious medical

> complications due to a genetic disorder. The first year of her life was

> spent keeping her alive, keeping her nourished, figuring out how to meet

> her

> many needs, and juggling impossible numbers of doctor and therapy

> appointments. There wasn't much time to enjoy her babyhood. In the

> beginning, she was more a bundle of medical problems than a bundle of joy.

>

> How does a mother bond with a bundle of medical problems?

>

> Our daughter had an identity in our family long before her birth. We named

> her. We painted her room pink. We planned for her arrival. We shared her

> ultrasound photos with family and friends.

>

> At the time, our son was six-years-old and the joy of our lives. If he had

> an accident or injury bringing about the same level of need and stripping

> him of his abilities, we would love him no less. In fact, we would fight

> to

> nurture the beauty and growth of his soul in spite of whatever limitations

> he may have.

>

> If any one of us were disabled by illness or injury, we would still be the

> same person that we are today. Our souls would remain in tact. Our dignity

> and rights would remain the same. Our value would not change. Our inner

> selves, our souls, remain constant regardless of how our life

> circumstances

> change over time.

>

> So it is with my daughter. Her soul is whole and beautiful. She is the

> same person we anticipated and welcomed into our family. The body carrying

> that soul is not as we expected. But she is the same. She is a whole,

> valuable human being with all of the rights and dignity as everyone else.

>

> And so it is with all people - disabled or not, black or white, young or

> old, male or female, Catholic or Jewish, rich or poor. We are all

> valuable,

> worthwhile human beings just by virtue of being. Inside each of us is a

> soul holding all that is right with the world. When you see someone who is

> different, in any way, remember that their soul is the same as your soul.

> Their humanity is your humanity. We share one world and one human

> experience regardless of the specifics of our bodies and our

> circumstances.

> We are whole and valuable because we are.

>

> Michele Westmaas is a mom, a wife, and an advocate for people with

> disabilities.

>

> Contact Michele by email at

momonamission@...<momonamission%40verizon.net>.

>

>

> [if you wish to be removed from this distribution list, please send your

> request to momonamission@... <momonamission%40verizon.net>.]

>

>

[Guest guest]

Awesome Michele!

in Ma.

<BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now offers free

email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at

http://www.aol.com.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for such a beautifully written prose. I am sure this is how we all

feel but don't have the words to say it. You have been our voice and a

brilliant advocate for disabilities.Thank you and well done to you,

momonamission.There is this book I would highly recommend by Henri J M

Nouwen called ADAM God's beloved. A poignant true story and a precious gift

about love, hope and most of all faith in the human spirit. this

wonderful short read

brings out all the issues you have succinctly and honestly expressed. I

believe anyone who cares for the frail and disabled should read this book.

It will not only give you strength and faith to continue one's good work but

will empower and strengthen your resolve and bring light and joy when

everything seemed impossible and bleak.

, Goldberg's dad

[Guest guest]

Picture me giving you a standing ovation right now. Wow - that was

wonderful!

>

> Mom on a Mission: Michele Westmaas

>

> What makes us whole? What gives us our worth?

>

> These are some of life's questions that have been answered since the birth

> of my daughter nine years ago. She was born with serious medical

> complications due to a genetic disorder. The first year of her life was

> spent keeping her alive, keeping her nourished, figuring out how to meet

> her

> many needs, and juggling impossible numbers of doctor and therapy

> appointments. There wasn't much time to enjoy her babyhood. In the

> beginning, she was more a bundle of medical problems than a bundle of joy.

>

> How does a mother bond with a bundle of medical problems?

>

> Our daughter had an identity in our family long before her birth. We named

> her. We painted her room pink. We planned for her arrival. We shared her

> ultrasound photos with family and friends.

>

> At the time, our son was six-years-old and the joy of our lives. If he had

> an accident or injury bringing about the same level of need and stripping

> him of his abilities, we would love him no less. In fact, we would fight

> to

> nurture the beauty and growth of his soul in spite of whatever limitations

> he may have.

>

> If any one of us were disabled by illness or injury, we would still be the

> same person that we are today. Our souls would remain in tact. Our dignity

> and rights would remain the same. Our value would not change. Our inner

> selves, our souls, remain constant regardless of how our life

> circumstances

> change over time.

>

> So it is with my daughter. Her soul is whole and beautiful. She is the

> same person we anticipated and welcomed into our family. The body carrying

> that soul is not as we expected. But she is the same. She is a whole,

> valuable human being with all of the rights and dignity as everyone else.

>

> And so it is with all people - disabled or not, black or white, young or

> old, male or female, Catholic or Jewish, rich or poor. We are all

> valuable,

> worthwhile human beings just by virtue of being. Inside each of us is a

> soul holding all that is right with the world. When you see someone who is

> different, in any way, remember that their soul is the same as your soul.

> Their humanity is your humanity. We share one world and one human

> experience regardless of the specifics of our bodies and our

> circumstances.

> We are whole and valuable because we are.

>

> Michele Westmaas is a mom, a wife, and an advocate for people with

> disabilities.

>

> Contact Michele by email at

momonamission@...<momonamission%40verizon.net>.

>

>

> [if you wish to be removed from this distribution list, please send your

> request to momonamission@... <momonamission%40verizon.net>.]

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ellen-

" The CHARGE way " - I love that!! We do have a beautiful family here with a

wonderful way of being, don't we??

Love

Michele

_____

From: CHARGE [mailto:CHARGE ] On Behalf Of

ellen howe

Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 11:22 PM

To: CHARGE

Subject: Re: Mom on a Mission column Feb 2007

oh ilove thsi collum to and ur right no one could love there kids more or

less i know of a few firends who fams r a bit kinda dotn let her do stuff

coz they r disabled one such friend from school gotr married off so her

mother didnt have to look after her all her life wich was stupid but as u

say different cultures have their way but me i like the charge way theway so

many mums i know practise chargers or not that is unconditional llove and

support love u all

[Guest guest]

-

Thanks for your kind words and for the book recommendation. I will

definitely read it!

Michele W

_____

From: CHARGE [mailto:CHARGE ] On Behalf Of

Goldberg

Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 6:07 AM

To: CHARGE

Subject: Re:Mom on a Mission column Feb 2007

Thanks for such a beautifully written prose. I am sure this is how we all

feel but don't have the words to say it. You have been our voice and a

brilliant advocate for disabilities.Thank you and well done to you,

momonamission.There is this book I would highly recommend by Henri J M

Nouwen called ADAM God's beloved. A poignant true story and a precious gift

about love, hope and most of all faith in the human spirit. this

wonderful short read

brings out all the issues you have succinctly and honestly expressed. I

believe anyone who cares for the frail and disabled should read this book.

It will not only give you strength and faith to continue one's good work but

will empower and strengthen your resolve and bring light and joy when

everything seemed impossible and bleak.

, Goldberg's dad

[Guest guest]

& Yuka-

Thanks for the applause and kind words. You know, much of the insight comes

from the conversations on this list. And the writing practice also comes

from years of expressing myself here. You all mean the world to me.

Love

Michele W

[Guest guest]

wow! you have a gift!

Mom on a Mission column Feb 2007

Mom on a Mission: Michele Westmaas

What makes us whole? What gives us our worth?

These are some of life's questions that have been answered since the birth

of my daughter nine years ago. She was born with serious medical

complications due to a genetic disorder. The first year of her life was

spent keeping her alive, keeping her nourished, figuring out how to meet her

many needs, and juggling impossible numbers of doctor and therapy

appointments. There wasn't much time to enjoy her babyhood. In the

beginning, she was more a bundle of medical problems than a bundle of joy.

How does a mother bond with a bundle of medical problems?

Our daughter had an identity in our family long before her birth. We named

her. We painted her room pink. We planned for her arrival. We shared her

ultrasound photos with family and friends.

At the time, our son was six-years-old and the joy of our lives. If he had

an accident or injury bringing about the same level of need and stripping

him of his abilities, we would love him no less. In fact, we would fight to

nurture the beauty and growth of his soul in spite of whatever limitations

he may have.

If any one of us were disabled by illness or injury, we would still be the

same person that we are today. Our souls would remain in tact. Our dignity

and rights would remain the same. Our value would not change. Our inner

selves, our souls, remain constant regardless of how our life circumstances

change over time.

So it is with my daughter. Her soul is whole and beautiful. She is the

same person we anticipated and welcomed into our family. The body carrying

that soul is not as we expected. But she is the same. She is a whole,

valuable human being with all of the rights and dignity as everyone else.

And so it is with all people - disabled or not, black or white, young or

old, male or female, Catholic or Jewish, rich or poor. We are all valuable,

worthwhile human beings just by virtue of being. Inside each of us is a

soul holding all that is right with the world. When you see someone who is

different, in any way, remember that their soul is the same as your soul.

Their humanity is your humanity. We share one world and one human

experience regardless of the specifics of our bodies and our circumstances.

We are whole and valuable because we are.

Michele Westmaas is a mom, a wife, and an advocate for people with

disabilities.

Contact Michele by email at momonamission@....

[if you wish to be removed from this distribution list, please send your

request to momonamission@....]

[Guest guest]

Great column, Michele, as always! I have been an editor for 20 years, and your

writing always captures my attention. You have such a way of painting a picture

and nurturing people with your words. You have a God-given talent, and you use

it well. I thank you for touching so many others with it.

, mom to (5)

http://kauffmanlak.blogspot.com/

---------------------------------

Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. Ask your question

on Yahoo! Answers.

[Guest guest]

-

Thanks so much!! That means a lot to me. It's very hard to judge your own

work to decide it's value to others. Thanks for sharing your comments as an

editor.

Michele

[Guest guest]

As always wonderful job!! Some of us put what you write on our kids

sites to share with others and they all love it so much. You are a

great mom and a wonderful person.

I have to admit when I was at the deafblind confernce this last

weekend they were telling us about anther conference in a few weeks

that you will be at and (OK I have to laugh because I dont know

where it came from) but I threw my hands in the air as to cheer you

were going to be there....lol!!!

Your name also came up a few time because one of the moms I meet was

at a conference you presented at and we told the other moms about

you and your daughter.

You are like the god of CHARGE parents in our area.... >

Hugs,

Crystal mom to (11), (3), and Eva (22 month old CHARGEr)

wife to Dan in Illinois

>

> Mom on a Mission: Michele Westmaas

>

>

>

>

>

> What makes us whole? What gives us our worth?

>

>

>

> These are some of life's questions that have been answered since

the birth

> of my daughter nine years ago. She was born with serious medical

> complications due to a genetic disorder. The first year of her

life was

> spent keeping her alive, keeping her nourished, figuring out how

to meet her

> many needs, and juggling impossible numbers of doctor and therapy

> appointments. There wasn't much time to enjoy her babyhood. In

the

> beginning, she was more a bundle of medical problems than a bundle

of joy.

>

>

>

> How does a mother bond with a bundle of medical problems?

>

>

>

> Our daughter had an identity in our family long before her birth.

We named

> her. We painted her room pink. We planned for her arrival. We

shared her

> ultrasound photos with family and friends.

>

>

>

> At the time, our son was six-years-old and the joy of our lives.

If he had

> an accident or injury bringing about the same level of need and

stripping

> him of his abilities, we would love him no less. In fact, we

would fight to

> nurture the beauty and growth of his soul in spite of whatever

limitations

> he may have.

>

>

>

> If any one of us were disabled by illness or injury, we would

still be the

> same person that we are today. Our souls would remain in tact.

Our dignity

> and rights would remain the same. Our value would not change.

Our inner

> selves, our souls, remain constant regardless of how our life

circumstances

> change over time.

>

>

>

> So it is with my daughter. Her soul is whole and beautiful. She

is the

> same person we anticipated and welcomed into our family. The body

carrying

> that soul is not as we expected. But she is the same. She is a

whole,

> valuable human being with all of the rights and dignity as

everyone else.

>

>

>

> And so it is with all people - disabled or not, black or white,

young or

> old, male or female, Catholic or Jewish, rich or poor. We are all

valuable,

> worthwhile human beings just by virtue of being. Inside each of

us is a

> soul holding all that is right with the world. When you see

someone who is

> different, in any way, remember that their soul is the same as

your soul.

> Their humanity is your humanity. We share one world and one human

> experience regardless of the specifics of our bodies and our

circumstances.

> We are whole and valuable because we are.

>

>

>

> Michele Westmaas is a mom, a wife, and an advocate for people with

> disabilities.

>

> Contact Michele by email at momonamission@...

>

>

>

> [if you wish to be removed from this distribution list, please

send your

> request to momonamission@...]

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for this Michele, it is both useful and beautiful!

is (Mum of , UK 3.5)

>

> Mom on a Mission: Michele Westmaas

>

> What makes us whole? What gives us our worth?

>

> These are some of life's questions that have been answered since the birth

> of my daughter nine years ago. She was born with serious medical

> complications due to a genetic disorder. The first year of her life was

> spent keeping her alive, keeping her nourished, figuring out how to meet

> her

> many needs, and juggling impossible numbers of doctor and therapy

> appointments. There wasn't much time to enjoy her babyhood. In the

> beginning, she was more a bundle of medical problems than a bundle of joy.

>

> How does a mother bond with a bundle of medical problems?

>

> Our daughter had an identity in our family long before her birth. We named

> her. We painted her room pink. We planned for her arrival. We shared her

> ultrasound photos with family and friends.

>

> At the time, our son was six-years-old and the joy of our lives. If he had

> an accident or injury bringing about the same level of need and stripping

> him of his abilities, we would love him no less. In fact, we would fight

> to

> nurture the beauty and growth of his soul in spite of whatever limitations

> he may have.

>

> If any one of us were disabled by illness or injury, we would still be the

> same person that we are today. Our souls would remain in tact. Our dignity

> and rights would remain the same. Our value would not change. Our inner

> selves, our souls, remain constant regardless of how our life

> circumstances

> change over time.

>

> So it is with my daughter. Her soul is whole and beautiful. She is the

> same person we anticipated and welcomed into our family. The body carrying

> that soul is not as we expected. But she is the same. She is a whole,

> valuable human being with all of the rights and dignity as everyone else.

>

> And so it is with all people - disabled or not, black or white, young or

> old, male or female, Catholic or Jewish, rich or poor. We are all

> valuable,

> worthwhile human beings just by virtue of being. Inside each of us is a

> soul holding all that is right with the world. When you see someone who is

> different, in any way, remember that their soul is the same as your soul.

> Their humanity is your humanity. We share one world and one human

> experience regardless of the specifics of our bodies and our

> circumstances.

> We are whole and valuable because we are.

>

> Michele Westmaas is a mom, a wife, and an advocate for people with

> disabilities.

>

> Contact Michele by email at

momonamission@...<momonamission%40verizon.net>.

>

>

> [if you wish to be removed from this distribution list, please send your

> request to momonamission@... <momonamission%40verizon.net>.]

>

>

[Guest guest]

-

Now that is going -way-too far!!!!!!!

Michele

_____

From: CHARGE [mailto:CHARGE ] On Behalf Of

mdlinda@...

Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 11:08 AM

To: CHARGE

Subject: Re: Re: Mom on a Mission column Feb 2007

Dear Michele,

You are like the god of CHARGE parents in our area.... >

(((((big smiles))))

in Ma.

[Guest guest]

Crystal-

I read this after 's post - and wondered where that came from. You're

hilarious! I appreciate knowing that I've made a difference in people's

lives in some small way. Isn't that what we're all here for? I am

fortunate to have the forum to do so. Actually, I wish you could come to

the conference. It's March 10th in Bloomington and it's free! It will be

an awesome and inspiring day!

Michele

[Guest guest]

You've done it again Michele! Put into words what most of us think and try

to make sense of. Well done. Sometimes reading your writings makes me want

to go into some kind of teaching so I can share your wisdoms with those who

wish to work with our children in the future.

Keep up the good work and I look forward to the next column.

Flo

Mum to - CHARGE - (6) and Elly (4)

[Guest guest]

Flo-

Thanks!! The reason I write is so that others can begin to " get it " . How

can anyone understand if we can't express it? I know I didn't get it before

I had Aubrie. And now I " get it " in so many amazing ways. The world will

be a much better place if more people can understand our kids (and adults

with disabilities). I think the biggest barrier to inclusion and acceptance

is ignorance and fear. I hope my writing will do a bit to help that. Just

making my ripples.

Michele

_____

From: CHARGE [mailto:CHARGE ] On Behalf Of

Flo Njeru

Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:18 PM

To: CHARGE

Subject: Re: Mom on a Mission column Feb 2007

You've done it again Michele! Put into words what most of us think and try

to make sense of. Well done. Sometimes reading your writings makes me want

to go into some kind of teaching so I can share your wisdoms with those who

wish to work with our children in the future.

Keep up the good work and I look forward to the next column.

Flo

Mum to - CHARGE - (6) and Elly (4)