January 25, 2008 8:10 PM
To moms and dads with special needs kids
I got hopelessly behind in answering my email in December - well, not hopelessly, but because Tripp is graciously feeding the children tonight and they are going to bed early because they have Special Olympics basketball tomorrow morning so that I can catch up.
Anyway, I really want to thank you - as I am thanking God - for all the tips, encouragement and pouring out of your hearts that you all trust me with. I feel so privileged to share in even a small way with your lives. Tonight I read from a mother in Guam with nine children - one with Down syndrome - who writes a column for her local paper. How cool is that?
I'm finally gathering all those pictures you've sent for the photo albums and my Inspiration Board so I can bring them up to date. Will let you know when they are ready for another unveiling.
Tom Lambke wrote:
My wife of 30 years, Karen, and I have a son, Bryan, who is 26 and also has Down syndrome. I love how you have described what it was like and how it has been raising your boys, and the similar instances which occurred in our lives while raising Bry. He and I have actually co-authored a book together. It is I JUST AM... a Story of Down Syndrome Awareness and Tolerance. It tells of his feelings about his disability and how he perceives how others feel about him and his friends. I have also written a book about my family's experiences with and because of Bryan called SPIRIT, COURAGE and RESOLVE ... a Special Olympics Athlete's Road to Gold
And I just read an email from Catherine, a mother of 5, whose youngest son has Down syndrome. She wrote:
While I always knew in my heart of hearts that I would be a better person because of Peter I could never dream just how deep that learning would be. So as I stare at Peter in my arms I realize how much I have learned and how much I have to go. I am inspired by him to be a saint - but fall short every day. It gives me an excuse to whisper in his ear that he needs to beat the little battles going on in his body because I will need a life time of him so that I can become the mom I dream of being!
When I wrote Catherine back, I said that I always feel privileged to meet other moms of kids with Down syndrome because it is as though we are in a special fellowship - that we are so fortunate to have had this experience, which turned our lives around and helped us see life in a way we never would have seen them.
Then I read this email from Victor Navarro:
I was devastated when my wife called me and told me our brand new baby had Down syndrome. I complained, screamed and cried to God. I don't have to tell you how much my mind has changed over her five years of life, but I'll tell you this. We decided to send her to regular classes against all recommendations from the school district, we worried about teasing and loneliness, but the total opposite has happened. Her teacher is in love with her, some times she is surrounded by loving kids who just want to be around her or help her out. She just captivates some people's hearts.
Mommy - Yece
Daughter – Victoria
A very "lucky" blessed Daddy
And in the back of my mind, I started hearing Ben Folds' The Luckiest:
I know the lyrics aren't an exact fit, but this song captures the connection and the feelings, don't you think?
Special blessings to all of you out there who are raising kids with a little extra whatever. I know how hard you work and yet how much joy you find in your children. May God continue to bless and keep us!
Posted in Disabilities, Down syndrome, Fathers, Inclusion | Permalink
Comments
After falling madly in love with "the luckiest" after I'd heard it recently, I came upon "gracie girl" by the same artist. I LOVE it as it reminds me so much of my little one.
Posted by: Laura | January 25, 2008 11:07 PM
Here ya go:
The Luckiest Lyrics
» Ben Folds
I don't get many things right the first time
In fact, I am told that a lot
Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls
Brought me here
And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know
That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest
What if I'd been born fifty years before you
In a house on a street where you lived?
Maybe I'd be outside as you passed on your bike
Would I know?
And in a white sea of eyes
I see one pair that I recognize
And I know
That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest
I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you
Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties
And one day passed away in his sleep
And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days
And passed away
I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong
That I know
That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest
Posted by: Barb | January 26, 2008 9:49 AM
That special fellowship is a blessing - I know it well. I LOVE your blog!
Blessed, too, with a child with a little extra...Amy
Posted by: Amy | January 26, 2008 10:15 PM
You have no idea how special this was to read this today. We had Peter's echo today and things did not go as well as hoped...actually it was quite the opposite direction! After I got home I found your e-mail. Then I decided to browse around and found this letter. Your words and the way you used mine were God's not-so-little way of getting me through today. I felt so centered and inspired again....earlier I felt so defeated by the news. So here's to Peter and all his little buddy's out there with a little extra and a lot of love!
catherine
Posted by: Catherine | January 28, 2008 11:58 PM
