United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Monday (the 28th) was Ian's 8th birthday, and of course at each birthday I always find myself bracing for a rush of sad feelings and tension when I remember the circumstances surrounding his birth. It was such a confusing combination of JOY and sorrow, it is difficult to get my thoughts ordered about it.

However, I am finding that as the years are passing by that the JOY has outweighed the sorrow so much! Today Ian's injury seems like such a small piece of the puzzle that makes up the boy...from his mother's point of view anyway. When I look back and remember my state of mind at Ian's first birthday and compare it to today I am full of relief that most of that turmoil and stress and sadness seems to have slipped away in large part. Or perhaps I have grown stronger as a person and have learned to handle all the above in more positive and productive ways...

I know that my life over the last eight years has taken me down a road I didn't even know existed, and I am thankful for this opportunity to grow and learn and to know all of you. I truly appreciate being part of a community of caring and support. I have learned so much through my little baby, now a wonderful boy. I wouldn't trade my experiences (with the knowledge and insight they have provided) or the friendships I have gained for anything.

So, Happy Birthday to Ian, and thanks so much for everything you have brought to my life.

Blessings,
Bridget

Thanks so much for sharing Bridget. I am so happy that you are able to see all the good that has come from such tragedy. It is not always an easy thing to do. But I think it makes us better women/people when we can. Whenever I feel overwhelmed I just keep telling myself that the Lord never gives me more than I can handle. I believe that to be true for everyone.

Ian is lucky to have such a strong, insightful mother to help him through this journey.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN!!!

Thanks Bridget for sharing your thoughts and feelings. It was nice to hear that over the years the mixed emotions that come with birthdays have gotten more positive. I hope that Ian has a great time being eight and that things continue to get better every year for all of you.
Love, Christy

Bridget - thanks for sharing that. I was wondering what this year's birthday would feel like... it's been sort of like a 'grab bag' not knowing what to expect with each year. It's good to know that by the time Maia's 8 I might have it more together.

How's Ian's rash?

Wish Ian a wonderful and very happy belated birthday!

-francine

Bridget

Thanks for sharing such beautiful thoughts.

As obpi when I read about parents being sad on their childs birthday or people being sad on the anniversary of their injury I have such mixed emotions.

I am sad for the parents to have this happen on a day that should be only joy for them. I am so sad when I think about the emotions and life impact created by the sudden loss of a persons arm because of an accident...

I never once thought of my Birthday as the day I was injured. It never crossed my mind until I read posts on the board as parents anticipated their child's Birthday. I was shocked when I read the first post on the subject yet as a mother I understood... This year on my birthday I tried to think about it as the day I was injured... but I just could not... I guess because I have always been injured I just never thought of the day I was injured it never interfered with the celebration of my Birthday that I know of... I could not relate to my birthday as the day I was injured... So I went back to normal opened my gifts and celebrated My Birthday...

Like the parents on this board mine hid their emotions very well. Some how the emotions that my Mother may have felt just passed me by. I am grateful for that too!

Just reading your note is a pleasure. We must come to terms with this injury. When our parents do it is easier for us to accept who we are the way we are...

I believe God chooses our special parents... just as he choose us.

Kath

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN

Please excuse me I forgot to put it into my post...

One good thing about finding UBPN... Since I never used my bpi as an excuse as a kid now I can blame it on my bpi memory... LOL....

Hope he enjoys his day and many many more..
Kath