well, i'm a respite care provider myself. I know Exactly what you're talking about.
I've seen this situation and i work with a family who is in this situation right now and have for the past two years.
I see where you are coming from to some extent.
People love their children. They act out of love. Acting out of love is the essence of life.
I don't see it as useless myself. However, i do think that familes with children like this should focus on having a better support system in place. Getting breaks is important.
I just think that the woman you describe should have a better support system in place so that she can enjoy some self care for herself.
I also want to point out Sage, that in what you describe above.. potentially, this woman's whole self-image is wrapped up in how she takes care of her child.. hence, there is an emotional pay off when she feels she's doing a good job in her caretaking.
As far as being born into a 'broken' body, i'm not sure what you mean by that to some extent... i think that's a subjective thing and runs on a continum, each person would define that statement differently... for instance... I have serious health issues... and my parents might have aborted me if they had known during their pregnancy.. BUT........ i'm glad they didn't...
In short.. if this woman you describe who's giving her life to her child doesn't see it as "useless" then it's actually not.
sweetpea