THE PARADOXICAL NATURE OF LIFE
I believe in the paradoxical nature of life. The dictionary defines paradox as,
“A tenet contrary to received opinion.” Received opinion is often
synonymous with expectation. I expect things to go right in my world and
work hard to make sure that happens. I study problems and make calculated
assumptions from that exercise. Sometimes I am pleased and sometimes I
am disappointed in my efforts. In either outcome, I am amazed at the
surprises that wait. When bad things happen a lesson awaits me that drives
me deeper into the well of grace and when good things happen I am humbled
with the fact of my fortune, in comparison to the misfortune of those who disserve better.
My granddaughter Ella was born with Noonan’s Syndrome. It is quite rare
and many disabilities come with this unfortunate condition. A brain tumor,
tethered spinal cord, deafness, an unclosed valve in the heart at birth, curled
up little toes on each foot, developmental delays, one kidney that doesn’t
work, malrotation of the bowel, and chronic aspirative bronchitis that leads
to pneumonia, are some of her most noticeable conditions.
Before Ella entered this world her parents had been warned about many of the
possibilities she might have to live with, they decided, “ We will wait and
see who we meet.” On that day when both sets of grandparents and
other family members waited at Children’s Hospital for the much-
anticipated arrival, we were amazed at her beauty. She had dark hair and
eyes; a precious package that had been carefully wrapped and cared for over
the previous 9 months.
Jesus said, “Those who lose their life will find it,” hmmm, “A tenet contrary to perceived opinion,” a paradox. I lost a part of my life the day she was born. As the days and months passed there were too many hospitalizations to count. With each new challenge that felt like defeat a fixed persuasion of victory seemed to abide. Something was happening “Contrary to received opinion.”
What a paradox, I prayed the child would change, but, the child changed me.
And she has continued to change me for 8 quizzical years, from her frail little
body. Her smile is as powerful as the sun on a budding flower. Her skinny
legs are a joy to my eyes as I watch the power she has in them when she
resists her parent’s discipline. Her mission in life seems to be, turning on
every light in the house; this has taught me to change entirely to energy
saving bulbs. She lights up my life with her mischievous ways, like pulling
the chair out from behind me when I plan to sit down.
When Ella was born I lost my life, as I knew it, and found another. She
introduced me to a new one. She was the teacher, guide, and model, with several academic degrees, I became the student. Such is the paradox of life.
Ray Larson
