"That they wouldn't be too absorbed with their difficulties but would learn to reach out to others with difficulties or trials (whether they be similar difficulties or not)."  -  2nd Corinthians, 1:3 - 4.

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We have a beautiful baby boy who is the light of our lives.  In fact, he's brought us so much joy we can't imagine our world without him!

Our son, Marshall Isaiah, is three years old.  he is absolutely perfect in our eyes.  Ten fingers, ten toes.  Huge, blue eyes and silky-soft, dark-brown hair.  A smile that lights up the room.  An infectious giggle. 

We couldn't have been more blessed.

Now we could be one of those people who wallow in a sea of self-pity or question God by asking:  "Why?  Why us?  Why our son?" 

For you see, our son is handicapped.  He was born with cerebral palsy that's left him unable to walk or see; he needs a lot of help.  On the other hand, his disabilities have given us the chance to bond with Marshall and see the simple pleasures he enjoys.  We see his world and realize just how uncluttered, how joyful, it really is.  In Marshall's eyes, ugliness or unhappiness just don't exist, only hope, love, and trust.

Marshall is the reason why we found Jesus and became Christians.  In him, we see the love of Christ; this love then radiates to others.  It is contagious!  One can never be too unhappy as long as our son is around!  He is absolutely incredible!

Besides Marshall, we have two other children:  a daughter, Hannileh (pronounced "Hannah-Lee") Grace, six, and an older son, Jasen Daniel, who is eight.  They are perfectly healthy and dote on their special little brother; they'd do anything for him, to ensure that he is happy or loved.  They are very good with him; Jim and I couldn't be prouder of our children!

Through Marshall, Hannileh and Jase have learned acceptance, perfect love, tolerance, patience, and courage.  They have learned to accept people of all faiths, ages, colors, even disabilities; they enjoy helping out their brother and making our job as parents so much easier!

Well, Marshall has a doctor's appointment within the next several hours, so we will go for now.  I just thought I'd write to tell you how God's blessed us by bringing us this special child to love as our own.  Yes, we are indeed very fortunate!

~Sincerely, Jacquie Ermin, Marshall's mommy, Decatur, Illinois.  :)