Friday, September 9, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY STRENGTH
Well if you have been reading my blog long enough you know I have symbols for my children ... It is just one word that describes a part of them ... It is like a whisper from the Lord from my heart to theirs ...
Joseph's symbol was revealed to me even before I was ever matched w/ him ... HE IS MY STRENGTH ... He has within him the strength to bring joy to everyone ... I am told daily from others how they think he is the HAPPIEST child they have ever seen and I couldn't agree more ... The way he hugs, the way he says, "i loo luu" and the way his eyes sparkle will give you the strength to endure anything ...
He has overcome so much ... I just sit and wonder sometimes how my spirit would be if for 4 years of my life I couldn't hear very well and no one ever understood all the words I was trying to say ... I think I would be bitter and angry, but NOT MY BOY - he is patient, kind, and works so hard to communicate ... I think that is why he smiles so much and gives hugs ALL DAY ... He wants you to know he is there ... HE IS PRESENT !!! He wants to be involved in everything and never left out because of his special need ... He wants you to know he understands more than you think and has real feelings ...
I have watched Joseph become somewhat of a celebrity at FRA (and he doesn't even go there) ... All the kids friends love to come up to him and say hello - especially Jeremiah and Elijah's buddies ... And I have figured out why - Joseph makes you feel welcomed - he gives high fives, he cheers you on when you are playing, he doesn't care if you win or lose he is just happy to see you after the game, and he always has a smile waiting for you ... He gives freely with NO EXPECTATION !!!
He has taught me so much about real STRENGTH that comes from pure joy of Christ !!! He is diagnosed with development delays and severe hearing loss, but there are days when I was I could live in his body and see the world in shiny rainbow colors the way he does ... He makes even the simplest thing seem like a day at Disneyland ... You can say get in the car and let's go to the store and he gives you a hug from his entire body, giggles, and goes running like you are on the greatest adventure in the world ... He just loves being a part of something bigger ... He is our son and we could not be more proud of him ... I pray someday that we will be able to communicate more either through sign or verbal skills, but until then God has given him the strength to show us what he wants and needs through the way he LOVES us ...
Jeremiah is my HEART, Elijah is my JOY, Emily is my LIGHT, Maggie is my HOPE, Joseph is my STRENGTH, and Daisy is my GRACE ... I AM BLESSED !!! - still searching for my PEACE !!! hee hee ... All in God's timing
Joseph's symbol was revealed to me even before I was ever matched w/ him ... HE IS MY STRENGTH ... He has within him the strength to bring joy to everyone ... I am told daily from others how they think he is the HAPPIEST child they have ever seen and I couldn't agree more ... The way he hugs, the way he says, "i loo luu" and the way his eyes sparkle will give you the strength to endure anything ...
He has overcome so much ... I just sit and wonder sometimes how my spirit would be if for 4 years of my life I couldn't hear very well and no one ever understood all the words I was trying to say ... I think I would be bitter and angry, but NOT MY BOY - he is patient, kind, and works so hard to communicate ... I think that is why he smiles so much and gives hugs ALL DAY ... He wants you to know he is there ... HE IS PRESENT !!! He wants to be involved in everything and never left out because of his special need ... He wants you to know he understands more than you think and has real feelings ...
I have watched Joseph become somewhat of a celebrity at FRA (and he doesn't even go there) ... All the kids friends love to come up to him and say hello - especially Jeremiah and Elijah's buddies ... And I have figured out why - Joseph makes you feel welcomed - he gives high fives, he cheers you on when you are playing, he doesn't care if you win or lose he is just happy to see you after the game, and he always has a smile waiting for you ... He gives freely with NO EXPECTATION !!!
He has taught me so much about real STRENGTH that comes from pure joy of Christ !!! He is diagnosed with development delays and severe hearing loss, but there are days when I was I could live in his body and see the world in shiny rainbow colors the way he does ... He makes even the simplest thing seem like a day at Disneyland ... You can say get in the car and let's go to the store and he gives you a hug from his entire body, giggles, and goes running like you are on the greatest adventure in the world ... He just loves being a part of something bigger ... He is our son and we could not be more proud of him ... I pray someday that we will be able to communicate more either through sign or verbal skills, but until then God has given him the strength to show us what he wants and needs through the way he LOVES us ...
In Africa waiting to come home
home over a year w/ his family ... look at that smile !!!
Jeremiah is my HEART, Elijah is my JOY, Emily is my LIGHT, Maggie is my HOPE, Joseph is my STRENGTH, and Daisy is my GRACE ... I AM BLESSED !!! - still searching for my PEACE !!! hee hee ... All in God's timing
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12 kind words.:
I love reflecting back with photos before and after. It makes people SEE the blessing. Side note: from what I have read of your sweet Daisy you may want to change her fruit to Patience...hehehe :)
JILL .. I am chuckling at your comment about Daisy ... it was a close race between GRACE and PATIENCE for sure ... hee hee
Gwen, thank you so much for this post. We are sooo close to accepting a referral of 2 brothers from the Philippines age 3 years and 20 months. The younger brother has significant hearing loss and just had the auditory brainstem test Monday. We are awaiting the results. We are both excited and fearful to move out of our comfort zone. You have given us hope today from someone who has been there. Blessings :)
Happy birthday, Joseph!!!
Beautiful blog post, Gwen! AND...I have been reading this blog of your Team for a long time, now, long enough to know you have already found your Peace:-)!! See your blog post dated August 31, 2011!! Hugs to you today and that precious Team of yours!!
Diane, I adore you sister !!! You have been a constant in my life for a long time on the crazy journey God has us on and I love ya !!!
You seem to do things in pairs, so add FAITH to the search list, sister!
Totally AGREE!!!!! That boy just is full of JOY!!!! LOVE IT! Happy Birthday Joseph!!!
What a beautiful birthday tribute!
Precious!!
Such a sweet post about Joseph! He is a wonderful little guy. Thankful for you and your family.
beautiful, Gwen <3 beautiful....waiting for PEACE, with you :)
So happy I found your blog. God bless you BIG for all you do :) I will be following along :)