From a Mother’s Perspective
Note: This is a guest post written by my mom Joan Taylor. She is one of my biggest fans and has been a great source of support and encouragement throughout this journey of injury and recovery. She is retired and lives in Courtice, Ontario with my dad.
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It was 10:30 PM, the night before Easter 2011, that we got the call. Royal Columbian Hospital…your son and his wife…motorcycle accident…critical condition. It was almost more than I could comprehend. For the next hour I vacillated between despair and hope. How could I bear to lose my only son? Relief came when we got the message that he was going to be okay. We woke up Easter morning, knowing that not only was Jesus alive, but Cam was alive!
During that initial shock period my mind went in many directions. The first comforting thought was that Cam and Vicky had showed up unexpectedly to help celebrate his dad’s 80th birthday just two months earlier.
A special love relationship with Cam was born the moment, half a century ago, when he was placed in my arms. He was an exceptional child – contented from babyhood onward. He seemed to be born with character traits like honesty and perseverance. He accepted the things that life threw at him, like when he cut the end of his thumb off in the saw. I think I suffered with that experience more than he did.
Cam has given me many opportunities to be proud of him:
- His diligence as a student
- His strong work ethic
- His musical abilities which he diligently developed
- His strong commitment to Christ and His church
- His devotion to his family
- His perseverance in following his dreams
But I don’t think I’ve ever felt more pride in him than in observing his acceptance of the limitations that have come from the accident. He is a champion in suffering as he offers hope to others who also suffer.
For me, it has been a journey of ups and downs. I have felt Cam’s pain and frustration when setbacks came. When I have made the trip from Ontario to be with him following surgery, I found it difficult to hear his cries when the pain became unbearable. I admit, sometimes I worried; sometimes I doubted; sometimes I trusted.
But I have learned some great lessons through this journey. Some of them have come through Cam’s amazing musings in his blog.
- Perseverance does build character.
- Blessings do come from adversity. (One of our family’s blessings has been a greater closeness.)
- Forgiveness is absolutely essential for growth in character and integrity.
- I must learn to concentrate on the 8% legitimate worries in my life.
- I do have the ability to choose my attitude.
I believe that our children are a gift, on loan to us, from God.
I like what Psalm 127:3a says: Sons are a heritage from the Lord….
and Psalm 144:12a: [they] are like well nurtured plants…
Through it all, God has proved Himself faithful to our family. We have felt pride as we have watched Vicky in her amazing support through everything, including her own pain. We have been encouraged as we’ve watched the impact on so many people through Cam’s updates and blogs. The prayer support of a host of friends and family have made the journey more bearable.
In conclusion, I affirm the words of Romans 8:28:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
We have yet to see all that God will accomplish through this experience in Cam’s life.
What have you been learning as you watch your family and friends go through times of adversity?
About Cam Taylor
Coach, author, speaker, father, friend, leader, life long learner.
Thanks Joan
From one mother to another in a similar situation – thank you.
It is great to hear another voice in this journey. Thank you for affirming Cam’s story and his blog. He has been taught many lessons which he now shares with us.
From one mother to another, I heard, and listened “closely” to your words, Joan. Thank you!
Beautifully written and heartfelt words. It is so true that a mother is only as happy as her saddest child. We feel their pain and heartache and when there is little we can do to ease that pain, a mother’s heart suffers then, too. It was so much easier when they were small and we could kiss their “boo-boos” away. Blessings on you both, Joan and Cam, as you make this journey together.
Thanks Linda for your comments. So true! I made sure Mom read them as well. Take care & be blessed!
Cam – your unwavering faith has been an inspiration to all throughout all the adversity you’ve faced. How nice it has been for you to spend time with mom despite the circumstances! I enjoyed reading her perspective…she’s a special lady and of course you know you are so loved! It’s so good to hear you’re partial weight-bearing. We’ll continue to pray for you.
Thanks Lori for your kind words – I will make sure Mom reads your comment as well. Thanks for your prayers as well! We’ll be in touch.
Thanks, Joan. I was affirming the things you were saying about Cam being honest and caring – indeed he is. Cam – glad to hear the surgery was a success and you are starting to bear a little weight. Great things ahead. Give our love to Vicky.