My son, Tiyavious R'ichard, is 11 years old; he is our miracle-child.
When he was born 11 years ago, doctors weren't very hopeful, especially upon finding out that he was born with Down syndrome. Doctors said he would be severely mentally retarded; it would be better off if we placed him in an institution; "he'd never amount to anything", they blatantly told us.
At the news, my husband, Kirkland, and myself cried; however, we knew that God had given us our son for a reason; he had plans for him. We put our faith and trust in God; because we have honored God, Tiyavious is achieving great things, more than thought humanly possible.
Tiyavious may have Down syndrome; however, Down syndrome doesn't have him. Even though he is mentally behind his classmates, he goes to a regular school, where he is in the Special Needs class, and he scores consistently high grades on all of his report cards. It is a rare thing for him to get less than an A in his schoolwork.
In addition, he swims on the swim team; he is their fastest swimmer. He's won trophies and ribbons for finishing first; in his latest race, he set a school record, a first for a child with disabilities. The local paper came and reported about this wunderkid, even took pictures.
In fact, they were so impressed, the reporters called "The Today Show". We're to go there next month for an appearance during "Inspiring People Week".
If that were not enough, we are also going to meet the President of the United States at the White House in June. I'm a little nervous about that because I'd heard rumors that he said some disparaging things about the Special Olympics and its participants (if this is true or not, I have no clue), and I'm afraid he will say something about Tiyavious.
I am extremely proud of Tiyavious and all that he has accomplished, even in light of his mental (and physical) disabilities. He is an inspiration to all he meets; with his gigantic personality, it's no wonder I say this.
Like most kids, Tiyavious loves video games, as well as playing on the computer. He also loves to swim. He would play baseball, football, or soccer; however, he has heart issues, so those are out for him. He's had heart surgery several times (the last one was two years ago); it's made a world of difference in his quality of life.
The last time we had to call for an ambulance for him was three years ago, but we watch him like a hawk, pray he doesn't run into any more trouble.
Tiyavious is a member of the "zipper club", that elite club for heart surgery survivors: he has silvery scars crisscrossing his chest. He isn't embarrassed about them: he just refers to them as his "medals for bravery".
Other than his heart (it sometimes beats too fast for his own good; he's on medication for it, to keep it beating at an even rhythm), Tiyavious is perfectly healthy. Hasn't had much of a cold or the flu; somehow he's managed to escape every bug that runs rampant at his school. It's been a huge answer to prayer.
He also has his mental disabilities, but as I said, he's still very smart. He functions at about the level of a five-to-six year old boy. He still wants to sleep with his "lovey" (toy lamb he has named "Lambie") and have a "night-night" (his word for night light) at night. He still loves to watch "Caillou" and "Sesame Street"; those shows make him laugh. He also adores the old Bugs Bunny or classic Disney cartoons.
I hope Tiyavious lives for a very long time. He is going to be famous one day for all that he's achieved in 11 short years. He loves to sing, and next month, he wants to try out for "America's Got Talent", when the tryouts come to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where we live. I have no doubt in my mind that he will make it; he has a beautiful voice.
He sings every Sunday in church; he is a member of the children's praise team. He loves it!
Well, I will go for now. Time to make Tiyavious' supper. Tonight it's fried chicken ("chinny"), tater tots, and collard greens, his favorite. I will write in here again soon, with more Tiyavious tales.
Until then, this is Jemima Rae Hodges signing off. Take care, and may God bless you mightily during this Easter time! May you take time to reflect on what Easter really means as you eat your chocolate rabbit ears and dye your Easter eggs! Happy Easter!
~Love, your new friend, Jemima Mae, Tiyavious' mama. :)
