I read this poem on a blog that was shared with me today and thought I’d share. I particularly like the last italicized part…
Desiderata
Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
-Max Ehrmann
That is a great reminder / bit of advice.
I had a much, much better day today. I think that was largely in part because my hubzbind was home here today with me. His way of wording things and his viewpoints are such great solace to me. I’m so comforted in knowing that what ever we are faced with that we will face it together in Christ.
This evening we ventured out to Independence Day festivities with my extended family. I enjoyed the opportunity to get out, but this was just one such instance that I started wishing so badly that things were just “normal” — the comfortable normal as I once knew it. But God is always quick to remind me that none of this is about ME. There is something much greater going on here. Nora could never have fulfilled her incredible life purpose as just a “normal” baby. So while things might be physically and emotionally uncomfortable right now, they’re not going to be like this forever. What will be forever are the lives that Nora has touched and changed just by simply being Nora. It’s not completely clear to me right now, but I do believe the universe is unfolding as it should.
Pretty little firecracker - Thanks for the ADORABLE outfit, Jessica and Ashley!!
I'm a little bit fuzzy on things.
Happy Fourth of July!
Biteable.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36 NIV)
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NIV)
iwillcarryyou 
What a beautiful poem. Thank you for posting it – I needed to hear it 🙂 The lives that little Nora has touched and changed in just 78 days is more than some of us will ever touch or change in a lifetime. There is no doubt she is part of a beautiful plan. I pray for you, Nora and your family daily.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM!!! I love that your family is so spiritually oriented…
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing!! I love her 4th of July outfit! She is so beautiful!!!!
Lovely poem! And you are so correct- the universe IS unfolding exactly as it should- good, bad, ugly, beautiful, joyful or sorrowful. It is all exactly where you are meant to be right now.
Nora is a beautiful little girl and I love hearing about her updates- thank you so much for sharing your journey.
I too have a 3 year old Nora who fills my world with love and light everyday!
Blessings to you and your family
Love the little toes!! I love baby toes 🙂 She is adorable!!! Keep your faith, you are such a strong familly!
Love the poem, thanks for sharing! Im so glad you have been able to find some peace in all the chaos. How do I LOVE that outfit, that tutu, let me count the ways! So adorable! HUGS 2 YOU! =)
Thanks for sharing the poem. It really said much to me. I love little Nora’s firecracker outfit and her little tootsies. She is a precious beautiful little doll. So glad that you are finding light out of some of the darkness you have been experiencing and that William could be home with you. It is so helpful to have a mate that can share life with through his insights. Prayers continue for all of you.
Your pictures all made me smile 🙂
We have a framed copy of this poem hanging in our home. Given to us by my BIL. It is a good one to stop and ponder on a regular basis. Praying that the Yuskos have a good week!
Hello,
I just came to your blog through a FB post a friend had. I haven’t read my h yet, but already I’m connected to you and your situation.
I had a son born with Trisomy 18 Dec 6, 2005. I delivered via emergency c-section at 36 weeks because I became toxemic. Not once during my pregnancy did the Des ever notice the signs, and no one knew until my son was born that there was anything wrong. I was only 22 yrs old, and did all the tests, but they treated me like I was the perfect healthy pregnant woman with a perfect healthy baby. I wasn’t very big, only gained 23lbs but they kept telling me he would be a big baby.
When Tyler came out 2lbs 7.5 oz and only 13.5 inches long head full of hair not making a peep. Clenched hands, club feet the Dex didn’t even let me see him. They rushed him away to NICU and the grams began…
5hrs and 53 min later my sons life was lost, and he was soley in Gods hands…. I never got to hold him, kiss him or even touch him.
I never thought a pain like that could possibly exist. But it was all I felt for a very long time.
God blessed me with a beautiful healthy little girl just 11 wks ago. I know she has a very special angel watching over her.
I’m SO emotionaly happy that you’ve had so much precious time with Nora! I don’t have to tell you what a blessing every moment is, I know your cherishing her and I’m elated that you love her for her and are doing this blog!
Every life has meaning, a spectacular miracle! No matter how long, short or how challenging it may be! God bless Nora and your family!
My apologies for the typos. My phone can be a pain sometimes 🙂
Oh my goodness!!! She is precious!!!!!!!!!! Her outfit is adorable. I love the poem. Thanks for sharing.
I AM LATE READING YOUR BLOG, BUT I HAD TO GET CAUGHT UP. THANK YOU FOR THAT POEM, IT IS REALLY TOUCHING AND OH SO TRUE. LITTLE NORA FIRECRACKER IS ADORABLE IN THAT OUTFIT. SHE IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL. THE REPLIES TODAY ARE REALLY AMAZING. I LOVE THE PICTURE OF HER LITTLE TOES. THAT IS THE FIRST THING MY MOMMY HAD TO ALWAYS DO, WAS TO LOOK AT OUR BABIES TOES. BROUGHT BACK GOOD MEMORIES. NOW I AM GOING TO READ TODAY’S BLOG, AND GET CAUGHT UP ON WHAT YOU DID ON THE 5TH. LOVE YOU GUYS.