Many people often don't understand why my husband and I have adopted children who are so "different", children who are physically or mentally handicapped; children who are dying or are seriously ill.
"Why couldn't you have adopted HEALTHIER children?" we are always asked. "Why adopt such children, children with bleak futures or no chance for a normal life? That, to us, would be SO depressing!"
We tell these people that disabled or sickly children are people too, and they deserve our love and compassion, too, just like any other child. They are children first, and their disabilities/sicknesses shouldn't take that away from them. They are more like normal children than people may give them credit for, and this is what we try to teach them. We also teach them about how society reacts to them, and that they have as much of a right to obtain education, medical care, or any other benefit, just as a "normal" child does (but then, what's "normal"??).
We credit our Lord Jesus Christ for bringing my husband and I these beautiful children. If it wasn't for Him, we wouldn't even have a Johnathon, a Ronee', a Barbara, or even a Jodie, a Todd, or a Lightning. We would remain childless and unhappy. But God saw to it that we were unhappy and were wanting children of our own after our own three had died; and so, as a result, he brought us Johnny and then Ronee' a week later; and the rest just followed thereafter. We went from 2 children to 9, then 11, and then the numbers didn't seem to stop until we reached 50.
We have had Johnny and Ronee' going on nearly 10 years; and they have grown into such beautiful, admirable children with unbreakable spirits in the wake of horrific disabilities or illnesses. They are both intelligent, mercurial in their temperament, caring and compassionate towards others, and they are super talented. And others we have had for over 7 years--Gemini, Jodie, Richard, Anh. All, too, have grown into such beautiful young men and women, and they, too, have shown just how special they are, each in their own special, unique way.
And they have accepted the newest additions with the aplomb of veterans; they love their newer brothers and sisters just as much as they do each other; and they will defend their brother or sister with the tenacity of a tiger. They have already known hell in their young lives, and they aren't about to see their brother or sister hurt; they will fight for them.
And this is a guaranteed promise.
People often don't understand why we have so many children, but it was something that just happened. We weren't planning on adopting so many, but Jesus saw to it that He would give us these children, so He did--in a BIG way. He has blessed us in such a heartfelt way, and it is to HIM that I am forever grateful.
Our children are our lives, our light, our inspiration. They are the reason my husband and I keep going, even during the worst of times. Like the time Johnny had his meningitis the second time at the age of six and was so very sick--the kids prayed and fasted over their little brother, and in time, their prayers had been answered when he was healed of his sickness. Or the time Ronee' had her stroke nearly 2 years ago. Same thing. More prayers and fasting. It was a miracle from Heaven, and every day we praise our Saviour, for His allowing my two children to survive such catastrophic illnesses that could have very easily killed them or made them mere vegetables.
People look at Johnny and Ronee' and see two disabled, but happy, children; but when I look at them, I see two little miracles. They have survived such tragic events in their young lives; but they have emerged, stronger and more determined than ever, to triumph over such odds. And they have brought the Word to others in their singing and performing in "Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames"; and people definitely see the Love of Christ in their faces. They have given the Love of Christ to others, and I am so proud of the both of them. I look at them, and sometimes I just cry because they have touched me in such a deep, heartfelt way; and I am more than glad to be their mother.
DEDICATED TO MY LITTLE ANGELS, JOHNATHON IRWIN-ALLEN AND RONESSA (RONEE') LE-ANNE..LOVE YOU BUNCHES!! MAMAN.
Potential meets purpose for great accomplishments in the life of a young student.
A young student is interested in learning coding programs. He applies and is rejected because of his age. He does not give up and tries again and is accepted. Eventu
