Lessons from Eric
by Meghan Clement
by Meghan Clement
Today my husband and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary. Over dinner tonight, we were discussing how far we have come in the past eight years. It is almost kind of funny to look back on how we were when we got married. For starters, I was only 19 and he was 21. We were young and naive, and we really didn't have a care in the world. Nothing really mattered to us except that we loved each other. We were reflecting back on the "early years," when we took great vacations and had great parties!
Oh, we had so many laughs thinking back on all that fun we had, but we both agreed that we are in a much better place now. I guess what I am trying to say is that I believe that Eric Thomas was sent to us for many reasons. Eric helped us grow up and learn to be more patient and understanding. He has taught us compassion and the true meaning of love. My husband and I have learned to love each other so much more through our love for Eric Thomas. We have learned how to listen to each other and support each other during difficult times. We have learned to live each day to it's fullest because we know that we don't know what the future might hold. We appreciate one another more. We don't judge others and we always do what we can to help someone else.
Eric is our teacher. He has taught us how to be a good mommy and daddy and a better husband and wife. He has taught us to believe in miracles and the power of prayer.
To those of you on the "outside," please know that we always want and appreciate your prayers, but we do not want your pity or sadness. You see, in our own little world we are a family that does have struggles each and every day, but we learn to work through them with love and understanding. Oh, how I would love to know what it was like to have a normal and healthy child, but our lives have been forever changed by little Eric.
He will always be a "perfect" little miracle to his mommy and daddy.
Meghan is a stay at home mom to 3-1/2-year-old Eric, who is her only child. Eric suffers from many complications as a result of mitochondrial disease including epilepsy, gastric dysmotility, GERD, kidney disease, developmental delays, muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, carnitine deficiency, and hypothyroidism. Meghan and her husband searched tirelessly for two years to get an explanation for Eric's medical problems. After visiting 19 different specialists and hospitals, Eric finally received a diagnosis of Mitochondrial Disease. Since Eric's diagnosis, he has been able to receive proper treatment for his conditions, which has made him a much healthier and happier child. Although Eric is non-verbal, he communicates his needs and wants, and his love, in his own special way. Eric is a blessing to his mom and dad, extended family, and friends.
Meghan frequently updates Eric's Caringbridge page to keep others updated on their family's daily battles of living with Mitochondrial Disease. To learn more about Eric you can visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/ericthomasclement.
Oh, we had so many laughs thinking back on all that fun we had, but we both agreed that we are in a much better place now. I guess what I am trying to say is that I believe that Eric Thomas was sent to us for many reasons. Eric helped us grow up and learn to be more patient and understanding. He has taught us compassion and the true meaning of love. My husband and I have learned to love each other so much more through our love for Eric Thomas. We have learned how to listen to each other and support each other during difficult times. We have learned to live each day to it's fullest because we know that we don't know what the future might hold. We appreciate one another more. We don't judge others and we always do what we can to help someone else.
Eric is our teacher. He has taught us how to be a good mommy and daddy and a better husband and wife. He has taught us to believe in miracles and the power of prayer.
To those of you on the "outside," please know that we always want and appreciate your prayers, but we do not want your pity or sadness. You see, in our own little world we are a family that does have struggles each and every day, but we learn to work through them with love and understanding. Oh, how I would love to know what it was like to have a normal and healthy child, but our lives have been forever changed by little Eric.
He will always be a "perfect" little miracle to his mommy and daddy.
Meghan is a stay at home mom to 3-1/2-year-old Eric, who is her only child. Eric suffers from many complications as a result of mitochondrial disease including epilepsy, gastric dysmotility, GERD, kidney disease, developmental delays, muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, carnitine deficiency, and hypothyroidism. Meghan and her husband searched tirelessly for two years to get an explanation for Eric's medical problems. After visiting 19 different specialists and hospitals, Eric finally received a diagnosis of Mitochondrial Disease. Since Eric's diagnosis, he has been able to receive proper treatment for his conditions, which has made him a much healthier and happier child. Although Eric is non-verbal, he communicates his needs and wants, and his love, in his own special way. Eric is a blessing to his mom and dad, extended family, and friends.
Meghan frequently updates Eric's Caringbridge page to keep others updated on their family's daily battles of living with Mitochondrial Disease. To learn more about Eric you can visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/ericthomasclement.
| Author: Meghan Clement | Date Uploaded: 5/17/2010 |