Look to Him!

A while ago, I told you about a book that I am (slowly) reading. It's called "You will dream new dreams." It's a collection of stories written by parents who have a special needs child. I am gaining a lot from reading this book!

I recently read one of the stories and it was on a boy who has Down syndrome. It reminded me of Gavin. The mom talked about how her son had been through several surgeries, has to take numerous medications each day, has a severe heart defect (despite having surgery for it), has had pneumonia numerous times.......and yet, he is happy!

I find myself striving for happiness each day. I succeed one minute and fail miserably in the next. I have gone through and continue to go through many trials in my life, but none of them compare to what Gavin has gone through.......and yet, he is so happy!


Here are some thoughts from this book:

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What He Doesn't Have

- the ability to conceive that some people can be untrustworthy;

- the ability to conceive that not everyone will have his best interest at heart, and

- the ability to conceive that some people make decisions that are self-beneficial.

This boy sees only goodness in people. No matter what happens to him, no matter what pain others may inflict upon him, he will never see, feel, or conceive that it may have been intentional.


What He Has

- an extra 21st chromosome;

- a label;

- people in his life who see beyond that label;

- a nonjudgmental attitude towards all individuals, and

- people who love him for who he is.....a sensitive, caring, beautiful, loving boy.


They say, "You have everything when you have your health." This boy certainly has changed the meaning of that phrase for me. I now understand that you have everything when you have a positive outlook on life. I realize that I have everything, because I am fortunate enough to share this boy's life. I am his mother.

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I wish that I were more like Gavin! I wish that I were as forgiving as he is! I wish that I could live life with such a great attitude, and I wish that I could live life not knowing the pain of having people hurt me! I wish that I could put a smile on my face and heart as often as Gavin does!

I've decided that when I grow up.....I want to be just like Gavin!

He has taught me so much and he has brought me more happiness than anything else on earth possibly could! I can't even express the joy that he brings me each and every day! Joy that comes just by looking at him and seeing the good that radiates from him! God knew that I needed this special boy in my life!

Having Gavin in my life has not been an easy road, but it's a road that I would take over and over again, if I had the choice. Each day begins with me walking on tender ground, but with Gavin and God in my life.....each day is good!

So today, I will look to Him!!! And, I will also remember to take time to be happy with what I have been given, by having him!










"I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice, and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live." Psalm 116:1-2