Welcome to My Blog--Why "Holland?"

Welcome to my blog! Thank you for taking the time to visit. I want to begin by explaining the name, “Reflections from Holland.” Years ago a woman by the name of Emily Perl Kingsley, who has a son with Down syndrome, wrote a beautiful essay entitled “Welcome to Holland” to express the unique experience of raising a child with a disability. She does a fantastic job of giving language to something that is often so difficult to articulate. She describes pregnancy as planning a wonderful trip to Italy. You make tons of plans and learn as much as you can while eagerly awaiting the big day. When it finally arrives you board the plane and touch down hours later only to hear the stewardess say “Welcome to Holland!” Amid the onslaught of shock and emotions you soon realize that your flight plan has been changed, and there is nothing you can do about it. Your dream of going to Italy is gone, while most of your friends continue to happily travel to Italy themselves. You realize that you must now learn a new language and culture for which you were not prepared. However, as you begin to get your bearings, you are able to realize that Holland has a beauty and grace all its own; and though there is pain that you did not make it to Italy, you are able to appreciate and enjoy your experiences in Holland. Her original essay is printed with permission at the bottom of this blog.

On May 22, 2009 we began our journey into Holland with the arrival of Benjamin Lee Hemminger. In our journey thus far we have experienced the greatest pain and the greatest joy we have ever known. Part of the healing process for me has been to write bits of our story. Over the months they have been recorded in no particular order, and there is still much more to write. However, I feel that it is now time to begin sharing these reflections, and though not written chronologically, I will try to post things in a linear order as best as I can. Early in my pregnancy, the Lord encouraged me with Psalm 71, and this passage was such and anchor for us during some of the darkest days. “From birth I have relied on You; You brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise You...But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure,” (vs. 6, 14-15). It is my hope and prayer that my faithful God, Who has shown His goodness to us time and time again, will receive all the glory through the writing posted here. Thanks for reading…