I look at his chocolate brown eyes, and I melt; I'm like putty in his hands.

I feel blessed that he is mine to raise.  His real mother didn't want him after he'd been born, so I took over that role:  I act as both mother and grandmother to Subriano.  And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Subriano, who is seven, is nothing but a blessing in my life.

Subriano was born with a neural tube defect (spina bifida); it's left him partially paralyzed from the waist on down, and depending on braces (or crutches) for mobility.  If he has to go for longer trips, he uses his snazzy purple wheelchair.

Even though he is only seven, Subriano has had a hard, difficult road, a road that he still travels.  He's had numerous surgeries (some so serious we were certain that he'd die) and hospital stays; he has therapy three times a week without fail to keep him limber, and when he gets sick, we have to be so careful because he could get meningitis, which would probably kill him.

I wish the world could see the potential I see in him.  He may be disabled, but he's not stupid:  he is whip-smart (at seven, he's in the fourth grade and can read high school level material!), and he loves playing baseball on a team for kids who have special needs; in fact, baseball is his passion.  He wants to be a pro baseball player when he grows up.

That or a veterinarian:  he loves animals, especially his chocolate lab dog, "Kiss" (named for "Hershey's Chocolate Kisses" candy), and his iguana, "Paco".

Subriano is the younger of two children in his family:  I am raising both of them, both Subriano and his older sister, Morgana, who is nine.  (Morgana came to us because the mother [my daughter] has serious mental illness and cannot care for them.)

It is really a sad situation with my daughter, but on the other hand, it's a time for great joy, because I have seen them grow into wonderful kids with much potential.  They are very good kids, well behaved, loving, helpful of others (or each other), and both know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.  They love going to church every week; I make sure of that. 

I want my kids (grandkids) to have a good foundation in life; church has always been very important to me, and I want it to be for them.  I want them to learn to lean on Jesus during times of trial, and I think they've done an amazing job, particularly when Subriano has another surgery or hospital stay.

Well, I am going to go now.  Subri's calling me; I will have to see what he wants.  I will write in here again soon with more stories about Subriano, and also Morgana.  Until then, this is his proud grandma signing off!  Take care and may God bless you!  Remember the Cross:  that's the real reason why we celebrate Easter!

~Love, Edith Maria-Elena Flores, Subriano's grandma.  :)