“This Is Now The New Normal”

 

              This devotional is written in loving memory of my father, Rex Benson, who passed away on January 27, 1995. This year marks 15 years since his death.  He’s the man who said, “This is now the new  normal” when I was born.  This is one of the last pictures I have of him before he died.  We’re packing up to go home from our ski trip at Lake Powell in Utah.  That’s me on his shoulders at 11 years old.  What a great time we had! This Thursday marks sixteen years since his death.  What a loving father he was! Dad, thanks for treating me like a normal kid! I love you and  I miss you!

I was born on February 8, 1983.  My mother couldn’t bring me home right away because of complications at birth. Originally, I was supposed to arrive on April 8, but due to lack of oxygen supply to the brain, doctors had to get me out quickly. I was two months earlier than expected.  No one thought I would live.
             My mother often tells me that my father was the one who set the tone for how the family would handle my disability forever. The minute my mom and dad got a positive report from the doctors that I would live, they also told my parents that I would have to see lots of specialists so that they could closely monitor my condition—whatever it was.  I wasn’t diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy until I was three months old.  Shortly after I was born, my father said, “This is now the normal.”
             He meant that it was going to be normal for our family to go to 10 different doctors, I would go to physical and occupational therapy on a weekly basis, that was the way our life was going to be.  That was okay.  His strong leadership is a huge part of what shaped my character today. Thanks Dad.

7 comments

  • What a great way to view your disability! It's wonderful that you had such a loving father. Wishing you the best in your writing endeavors!

  • Sarah March

    Thank the Lord for your father's leadership and wise words.
    Your remembrance of him is precious.
    Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
    Love you Rachael,
    Sarah

  • Jerry and Helen Mayes

    You are such a wonderful writer Rachael! God has truly gifted you with the ability to write these heart warming stories. We ordered the Hunt for Heaven and can hardly wait to share it with our new granddaughter when she arrives this May. I'm not sure you remember us, but we would often talk with you after church while you waited for the bus. Also we remember you from our former church Rocky Peak where you used to sing with the junior high group. How excited we were when we started coming to Grace Baptist and saw you here. You are such an inspiration to many of us who have no disabilities because of the way Christ shines through you.
    God Bless you,
    Helen & Jerry

  • Robert W. Klar

    Hi Rachael, I read your book yesterday to my great grand daughter. You wrote a nice story about how to know God personally. The Idea of using verses from the bible in the notes that the kids found was good and I pointed it out to my grand daughter that it was a bible verse. WE both liked the story. Thank you Rachael !
    Bob Klar

  • Anonymous

    Happy Birthday Rachael!!!

    Love,
    Sarah

  • Anonymous

    Have a Great Day!

  • Anonymous

    twas wonderful to see you, your book is super, Dona took it to Awana and all the teachers wanted it. One teacher already used it, and another is going to use it at Sunday School. You should post the link that folks can use to purchase it here. Love ya..HUGGGS..Hank

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