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Seventy
percent of families with a
chronically ill child are "stronger
because of their child's condition," and eighty
percent have "benefited
in some way from having a child with chronic illness."
So reports a study interviewing 190
mothers of chronically ill children. The children, aged
7 to 12, have sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis
or moderate to severe asthma.
Mothers said they have learned:
-
better
parenting skills
-
greater
self-awareness
-
increased
awareness of family members' needs
-
greater
sensitivity and tolerance
-
confidence
-
emotional
stability
Ambulatory
Pediatrics;1:104-107,
2001
Comment
by David Stevens, M.D.
(Christian Medical Association
Executive Director):
The perspectives of the parents who
found nothing positive in their child's illness may have
more to do with themselves as parents than with the child's
circumstances.
Dealing with a chronic illness in
your child quickly boils away the dross to reveal the depth
of character, coping skills and selflessness in a parent's
heart. The situation can seem overwhelming.
I suspect that those who cope and
learn the most have strong faith and support groups around
them. This study also shows the positive benefits that can
be drawn from suffering. No one should seek suffering, but
it can draw people closer to God, closer to each other and
reorder life for the better.
When you have affliction in your
life, remember, "For our light affliction, which is
but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory." (2 Corinthians 4:17)
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