The Title of this website is the "Grace Connection" because Grace is what we receive through caring for our children living with disabilities. What is this Grace?

GRACE: as defined by Webster's, [from the Latin gratia favor, charm, thanks]
1. a: unmerited divine assistance given to man(persons) for his regeneration or sanctification

b: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace

c: a virtue coming from God

2. a short prayer giving thanks

3. a: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness or clemency b: archaic : MERCY, pardon c: a special favor: PRIVILEGE d: a temporary exemption, reprieve e: APPROVAL, FAVOR

4. a: a charming trait or accomplishment b: a pleasingly graceful appearance or effect c: ease and suppleness of movement or bearing...

7. a: a sense of propriety or right b: the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful syn see Mercy

gracious: ... characterized by generosity of spirit, Merciful, COMPASSIONATE.

We see grace in our lives when we, as parents of children who experience disabilities, accept our child(dren) as whole persons, uniquely human, and worthy of our love and care.

Our children become the conduits, the connections, of grace in our lives, changing us to more compassionate people, willing to accept our sufferings and those in others.

Through caring for our children, we make room in our lives for grace to make us better people.

We have learned that when we are in grieving, which comes and goes in our lives, to reach out to others--allowing grace to flow freely in both our lives.

We see grace in others' lives when they reach out to help us in our many needs.

We, parents of children who experience disabilities, are all connected to each other by our struggles to care for our children in this society that values the rugged individual who does not depend on others. When we support each other we find strength, and a will to go on educating society about the value of each human person regardless of ability.

And in that struggle we receive grace.

In the Christian view we understand how caring for our children fulfills what Jesus spoke in the sermon on the mount," that which you do to the least of these you do to me".

In the Karmic sense we see that what good we do returns to us. (what comes around goes around)

In Jewish tems we do a mitsvah, helping others when we are in pain brings us happiness.

In humanistic terms we "do to others as we would have them do to us".

Grace happens. We can happily ask others to:" Come join us. Make a place for grace to pour into your life."

And one more thing. People often tell us they admire us for what we do in keeping our families intact. If you do not have a child with a disability then that GRACE available to us has not been made available to you. So, you look at us and think, "I could never do that." You are right. Without the GRACE you cannot. But, if a child with a disability does come into your life that GRACE will be there for the asking. You could do it, too.

How can you help us? It is not an easy answer because it requires you to do something. When you see a public building without disabled parking, ramps, and/or curb cuts speak up. Ask why, confront the manager. Each time you see you can do something easily, but a person with a disability is barred from the activity STAND UP for us. We are busy and tired and stressed out at times. Help us get in the same places you can. Help us be a part of the same community you live in: the same schools, churches, shops, and all! That is how you can help us. And that is how you can recieve GRACE, too.

Grace is there for all of us.

Mave's Proud Mom

Copyright July 24, 1998 Mave's Mom