Howdy!  Jemima Mae Hodges here.  Thought I'd update you on what's been going on with me, but more so with my son, Tiyavious, who is 11.

Tiyavious continues to inspire, educate others about living with something like Down's syndrome.  He may be mentally disabled, in terms of understanding things, but he is actually quite bright.  He gets A's in all of his classes, and he loves learning about the world about him. 

He is living proof of that old adage:  "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."  :)

He had his tryout for America's Got Talent last weekend; don't know anything yet.  I pray he makes it; he has the voice of an angel!  For the tryout, he sang, "Lord, Take My Hand"; he did a beautiful job!  When I heard him sing, I cried!  God is going to do great things for him; He's gifted my son with an incredible singing ability!

I am praying that Tiyavious makes it to the program; that would be such a shot in the arm for people with disabilities!

Speaking of talent shows, I found out yesterday that Susan Boyle was the runner up; a group of hip-hoppin' kids called "Diversity" won the prize.  I was so disappointed; I thought she was the better of the two acts!  I guess age doesn't matter; everyone wants young acts.  I am sure she was disappointed; I know her millions of fans were (are)!

The show I am referring to is, of course, "Britain's Got Talent", which "America's Got Talent" is an offshoot from; the show's premise has since taken off like wildfire; there are televised talent competitions all over the world, and new stars are being made.

I watched a video of Susan singing, and while she appeared to be a middle aged, frumpy woman, when she opened her mouth, it was like, "Oh.  My.  Lord!!"  I still can't get over it; that woman definitely has a future in show biz!  She is definitely going to go places!

This, however, isn't about Susan Boyle:  this story is supposed to be about Tiyavious, my son.  Sorry about that!  :)

In any event, Tiyavious is nearly through with school; I don't have any doubt in my mind that he will advance to the next grade.  I am very proud of how well he's done, even with having a disability like Down syndrome!  He is clearly proving others wrong about what he can/cannot do!

Well, I am going to try to snatch a few more hours of sleep before rising to get ready for church, so I will go now.  I got sleepy all of a sudden!  Just keep us in your prayers, pray my son has made it to the televised portion of "America's Got Talent"!  I'd appreciate it!

Thanking you in advance~

As always, your friend, Jemima Mae Hodges, Tiyavious' mamma.  :)

P.S.:  Have a great day, and may God bless you mightily!  :)

~Jem.