Camaraderie, Comrade

..that we may be able to comfort those who are in tribulation, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Cor 1:4


3 years ago when we found out about our daughter's special need I could not stop crying.  I think I cried for 2 weeks straight.  I was so grateful for friends who went out of their way to call and encourage me through a very difficult time in my life but all I could say to myself was, "they don't know what this feels like to know that their kid will never be "normal"." I was having a serious pity party!  But now I see it through different eyes.  I never doubted that God had a special plan for my special girl but sometimes in the beginning stages of any hardship it is hard to see how all things are working out.  And I still don't see it, but I trust in the One that formed her and has a plan for all things!


Lately  I have been blown away by some of the people I have met and this word comrade.


I was just thinking about having camaraderie with some of the other parents that I have met at the school that we send her to.  WOW, they know the struggles first hand.  They received the same news we did and have gone to countless doctor's appointments and hearing tests just like us, they worry constantly about earaches and getting sick and losing more hearing.  We travel very similar paths, we are bonded by this "handicap" ( I know that isn't very PC) but we know the struggles and triumphs.  


It is one thing to have sympathy for someone and their situation (and it is much appreciated), it is quite another to have empathy.  I don't think I ever really had empathy before but now as life becomes more complex and more time has passed I realize the real difference between these 2 words and the reason why we need to meet others who have been through similar situations as ourselves.  
1.  To encourage us and really know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
2.  To guide us to places we might not have thought to go (thank you to the lady in the gym who "by chance" was there the same day I was and recommended us to the best school for us.
3.  To help us not to be fearful of the unknown.
4.  To laugh with us. 
5.  To let us know we aren't crazy.


God has been so wonderful to bring those people to comfort and encourage us, now I pray that I will be able to share the comfort that I have found in HIM with others in similar situations.  There is still way more to come, but for today COMFORT is what I have a little more of.