Eleven Years

Exactly 11 years ago today, we had the privilege of accepting a very special gift into our lives. This gift arrived--tiny, fragile, and precious. There were no bows or ribbons tied on this gift, there were no cards attached-- this gift was a baby boy born to us. Although our hearts were big and our eyes were wide with amazement when we first laid eyes on our bundle, we couldn't have comprehended in that instant what depth of meaning, what breadth of gratitude, what width of life experience, nor length of love our hearts would grow to hold. Words are not adequate, nor do justice to the way this gift would change our lives, turn us upside-down, revolutionize every ideal we professed to hold, and truly make us different people.

If a tag or card had been attached to this most precious gift, I wonder what it might have read... maybe something like this: To you~ From God~ Though you do not know it now, you will come to see that you hold in your arms, a life, most dear to Me. He's a special boy who will not do all the things the world expects. He won't say his ABCs and times tables, nor will he run the fastest in his class. He won't win the trophy for every sport or even throw a ball. He won't be the envy of every perfect family. He'll struggle to do some of the most basic life skills. He will rely on you for everything and you will be unsure of yourselves as you help him through the growing process. Do not be afraid, because I haven't given you this precious child in error. He is on loan to you, to care for, guide and love. He will open your eyes to how special life is, he will cause you to question and ponder and ultimately secure your faith in Me. His heart is loving and he'll love you unconditionally. He won't judge others for what they wear or how they talk. He'll enjoy the simple things in life. He'll wake up every day smiling from ear to ear simply because he's happy to see you. When you think things are too difficult, he'll make you laugh. When you think life is too complicated, he'll ask you to sit with him and just enjoy the moment. Those moments will be like no other and you won't want to trade them for anything in the world. Trust Me.

This gift I write of is our oldest son, Nathan. He was born with a rare condition called Angelman Syndrome. He is truly a special gift and blessing to us. His belly laugh is contagious, his two-ton-bear-hug and full-body-tackle-until-you-roll-backward onto the floor, is unmatched, and the perseverance to attain what he sets his sights on is amazing to say the least. He is 11 years old today, April 8th!! Happy Birthday big boy!