Maryam Hoodad is my name; I live in Richmond, Virginia, with my husband, Ali, and our five children:  14-year-old Megan, 12-year-old Ali, Jr., 10-year-old Rashid, eight-year-old Hamida, and five-year-old Jericho.  I am a housewife; my husband, meanwhile, is a teacher; he teaches second grade at a nearby elementary school.

We have a busy lifestyle:  the four older children all play sports.  We are always going to their games or tournaments; seems every weekend we're going from one game to another. 

I'm also busy because our youngest, Jericho, requires a lot of care.  He has spina bifida and mental disabilities:  he cannot walk, nor can he talk; he can, however, hear, see just fine, and he can make his needs known by his eyes and facial expressions.  He is in a wheelchair, and right now he is fed by a stomach tube, but he may be getting that removed within the next few months.  He's finally gaining the needed weight, and he no longer looks so sickly.

This is exciting news because soon he will be able to eat the foods we eat instead of having to have it pumped directly into his belly.  We never thought he'd reach this point; it's only by the praeyers of friends/families and a miracle from God above that he has.  And we are very grateful.

If we aren't going to our older children's sporting events, we're tied up with Jericho.  It's a hard life, but we've since gotten used to it, and so many of our friends (or fellow family members, as in my sister, my husband's mom, or my parents) have volunteered to take care of our little boy while we are busy with the other children, give us a much needed break.

Jericho has been in and out of the hospital.  If it isn't for surgery, he goes in for bladder or kidney infections or respiratory illnesses.  He's nearly died several times; it's only by the grace of God that he's still here with us.  We don't like it any better than he does, but so far he's managed to beat every illness that's struck him.  He is a very determined little boy with a strong will to live. 

I think he gets that from his daddy.  Ali is about as stubborn as they come:  nothing will stand in his way, especially when it comes to his family.  He will fight tooth and nail to make sure his family has all that they can need out of life.

Our little guy has taught us much about courage, or facing life with impossible disabilities.  He has given us a love for people who are disabled, and he's taught us that even the most seriously disabled can offer much in life if they are only given a chance. 

Well, I have to run.  Jeremiah's pump is singing; must be he's through with his breakfast.  I will be soo glad when he will be able to eat by mouth instead of having to feed him by a tube!  It will be a huge step for all of us!  Take care and may God bless you; I will write in here again soon!

~Love, your new friend, Maryam Hoodad.  :)