America Deserves A Raise

“Not another story about a stay-at-home-mom who is the hardest working person in the world and doesn’t actually get ‘paid’ for her work, under appreciated, etc, etc,” I am hearing you say.  But trust me, this isn’t the same old story.  Please read on.

Victoria is a mom of one 2 ½ year old little girl.  What makes her a special mom is that her daughter Gwendolyn has Spinal Muscle Atrophy.  SMA is a genetic, recessive, degenerative, neuromuscular disease and Gwendolyn has already outlived the expectations.  Victoria cares for her daughter day in and day out, providing breathing assistance through a machine, suctioning her secretions (she can’t talk or swallow), feeding her through a tube in her tummy, and keeping her entertained.  Gwen is paralyzed by SMA and requires assistance to do anything.  From required medical assistance to playing, Gwen needs someone to move her limbs for her.  And it is Victoria’s mission to give Gwendolyn every possible experience that she can in the short time she has with her. 

It is almost impossible to comprehend, but we will loose Gwen some day.  Maybe soon.  That never phases Victoria.  I’m sure she couldn’t imagine doing things any differently, but she amazes all of us.

She doesn’t do it alone.  Her husband Bill works to keep the family financially sound and allow Victoria to stay home with Gwen.  There is family support and nursing help at night as well.  It would be impossible without that.  But a raise for Victoria would help recognize the amazing importance of what she is doing for the little girl we love so much.  Nothing can take away the difficulty from her, but a gift would be a nice gesture of support for her tireless dedication to Gwen.

Victoria is my sister in law.  Bill is my little brother.  Gwendolyn is my niece.