Moy Moy’s birthday is always my year’s most emotional day. Ever since we were told – 12 years ago now! – that she had only a few more months to live, her birthday has been our very own “Yes we can.” As she rounds yet another impossible corner, stronger than ever, still alive, I feel an impossible mixture of pride, hope and dread.
Because for all the strength and hope each year confirms – and my Lord, there are very few who understand what each year really means – the years take their toll.
I am where I am because of Moy Moy. Each year, each birthday reminds me. She has changed my life and the lives of thousands of others. Her needs have become our action plans and she has stretched us and enlarged our world in ways we can hardly begin to describe.
Over 100 people (including me) have jobs because of Moy Moy. 300 children get to go to school because of her. Hundreds of doctors, nurses, midwives, health workers and teachers have a clearer understanding of special needs because her life has inspired others to go out and spread the word.
That’s no small thing.
But it is also no small thing to be her mother, her father, her sister, her brother. And if she could speak, I feel certain that Moy Moy would agree. This “Special Needs” gig is a tough one. Through no fault of her own, Moy Moy requires her family and friends to support her every move. We are proud to step up and be there when she needs us.
But please don’t ask us to pretend it’s easy. Please don’t tell us how noble we are. Please don’t expect us to keep doing it day after day, year after year, without a squeak, without a stumble.
Because it’s not possible.
We love Moy Moy with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and for all eternity. But this is a love which only works if others join us in it.
I believe that Moy Moy holds the secret to the world’s salvation. Her vulnerability, her calling out to us, her simple, uncomplicated need for help (to cut her birthday cake, to get dressed, to eat, to sleep, to move across a room) is what we all need to remind us of our shared humanity: we are all vulnerable; we all need each other, we are all just one step away from dependence.
I know this because I live it every single day. And I need your help to make it through. I am reaching out to you: as a mother, as a friend.
Moy Moy belongs to me and to you and to the entire world. Please make her a part of your life.
‘Happy birthday’ sounds too trite to commemorate the anniversary of this day that celebrates the triumph of love and hope over adversity and despair. Telling you with the tightest of hugs how grateful I am that Moy Moy is yours, that you were born for her and that all of you belong to ME and the world! I rejoice with all my heart.
Lots of love, lots of prayers, and lots of gratitude, for making all of us a part of your story, Moy Moy and Jo.
Three cheers to LRF!!!!
God Bless You & Moy MOy. Thank you so much for inspiring us all and I truly appreciate the joy and cheer you bring around.
Every word of what you write resonates with me…Moy Moy is the reason for starting of a movement of sorts.Yours and Moy’s story is just incredible!You all are adorable…God bless you!
Your Blog moved my heart!!
It was really touching and you are really a brave and an incredible woman…!
I genuinely salute you for being such a Good Mother!!
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As I read with humility your touching birthday message, the news here is a huge Power Ball jackpot, and the changes that great wealth bring or don’t bring to the lucky person or people who win(s). Tell Moy Moy that she is the prize we should all be buying tickets to win. A small light that leads us to focus on the real richness of life: moving across a room to find afternoon light, the most lovely light of the day. Sharing a meal with people we love, whether we feed ourselves or not. And most of all, the gratifying lesson that we are each capable of so much more than we ever knew. Love to all of you on this special occasion, and thanks to God for another year.