A woman shares her story about her youngest son, Slade, who was born severely handicapped.
My husband, Minton, and I believe that our youngest child was born handicapped for a reason. Perhaps our child was born this way to teach us the act of patience, the act of handling life's bumps, the act of seeing the beauty in Slade, even in light of all of his physical/medical problems.
We believe Slade Watson Cummings was given to us by God as a way of His teaching us about how much people who are handicapped can offer. There is no better way to explain this.
Our son is now six years old. He was born with spina bifida that has left him paralyzed from the waist down (he is dependent on crutches and leg braces when he needs to get around; for longer trips he'll opt for his electric wheelchair, which is purple). He has to be catheterized every few hours (he cannot go to the restroom on his own; he needs help in this area), and he has a shunt in his head to keep fluids from accumulating on his brain. (If he gets too much pressure on his brain, he'll develop terrifying seizures that will warrent a trip to the emergency room; it is scary whenever he has one of his seizures.)
He is in special needs classes because he has learning disabilities that affect his ability to understand or read/write.
Despite all of his problems, little Slade is as happy as a clown. He loves to play with his action figure toys, play pretend with his older sisters Simone (8) and Soren (10), play games on the computer (under supervision, of course), play "Challenger" Little League baseball (he's an avid baseball fan), and draw. He is a mini-tornado of ever-constant activity; he is never still for even a moment!
That is another thing: Slade is hyperactive--extremely so! To watch our youngest in action is exhausting. We wonder where he gets the energy because his sisters certainly aren't nearly as active! (Soren is more shy, laid back, while Simone would prefer to spend her days IM'ing her friends or talking on the phone.)
Slade is a very popular figure at church. He attends church with us every Sunday and Wednesday, and on Thursdays he goes to his Royal Rangers meetings, where he and his buddies can learn about Christ and the Bible and have a good time in the process. We don't try to hide him (or his disabilities) from others. He is as much a kid as are his sisters or his able-bodied friends; having disabilities doesn't make him any less of a person! In fact, his disabilities make him unique, and they teach other people about accepting differences in others.
There are those people who do treat him badly, yet all we can do is pray (and hope) that they learn to see past his wheelchair, his crutches, his braces, his short stature, his impulsive nature--and see a cute little boy who cherishes all that life has to offer.
Karen, this is so very true! Working with Special Needs children, I am always amazed at the devotion and patience of the parents...they are truly angels here on earth.
Karen a beautiful story indeed, We raised a nephew who was mentally disabled and told he would never do for himself, we had the patience to care and teach him from age 9 until he turned 26 and moved out with his wife, so he came a long wayand proved so many Teachers and Doctors wrong. He may not be able to work but he can love. Thank you for sharing.
Karen, a beautiful and illuminating piece. We can learn so much by those considered challenged in our society if we just take the time to listen, look , and love. PLB&G forcaring and sharing. <Mikii>
Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar
8/2/2007
Handicapped children are flowers of nature. They give out heavenly perfume. They are angels on earth. Victor
All children are sent from heaven, even when they act like devils LOL Seriously, a beautiful story you tell of love and learning. Some parents are indeed blessed with handicapped children, to teach them what compassion and courage is all about. :) Well done.
Note: Since my husband's cancer surgery 4/25/05, this book content has been integrated into the public speaking content for audiences interested in a sassy approach to personal and/or community awareness events. Another chapbook on intimate love poet
