Anjelita Quinones is my name.   I am married and have four beautiful children:  Roberto Xaviar (18), AnaGraciela Elena (15), Diego Garcia (14), and my youngest, Brycen Juanito (9).  We live in Bakersfield, California.  I work for a law firm; as for my husband, Jaimie, he works for the city of Bakersfield.

My children are the world to me, especially our youngest, who was born with cerebral palsy.  It was devastating to find out he'd been born handicapped, but we've learned to love him as much as our other children and to make the best out of a bad situation.  Unfortunately, Brycen will never be able to walk or talk, or feed himself; yet he is happy; as long as he is happy, then we should be happy, too.

Brycen can see and hear; he can also love and display emotions.  He is very good at letting us know how he feels or what he wants.  To further help him, Brycen has a word board that has words or symbols on it; he points to what he wants or wants to say.  He is very smart; he gets As in all of his classes!  (He is in the second grade.)

Roberto, Ana, and Diego are very good with their little brother.  They take care of him as well as any grownup; they make sure he is happy, fed, and comfortable.  They help me with his feedings, and with bathing him, changing him, and making him look nice before we go anywhere; they pride themselves on making their little brother look his very best.

We go to church every Sunday; we attend Bakersfield New Life, which is a nondemoninational church:  all people of all faiths are welcome to attend.  Brycen is a very popular figure at church:  when people see him, they have to stop by and pay a social call; he is especially popular with the female congregants.  He bats those big, brown eyes of his, and the ladies practically swoon or fall at his feet!  LOL

We've learned to lean on God during Brycen's bad days (hospital stays; he is prone to pneumonia or any other respiratory illness); we also praise him, thanking Him for bringing us Brycen into our lives, and to let us love him and care for him.  We cannot imagine our family without Brycen; he's been nothing but a blessing to us and to others!

I just wish that people could see the potential in Brycen instead of focusing on his disabilities.  He may not seem like much to a lot of people, but then they don't live with him either.  We see his milestones (painfully slow they may be), but he is able to communicate, learn, and love, and we are so glad to be with him every step of the way!  We will do everything humanly possible to give him the dignity and life he so rightfully deserves!

Well, I have to get the kids up, so we can get ready for church.  We go to church at ten.  We will then go out to eat at Denney's prior to church.  Make it a fun morning.  Take care, and may God bless you as much as He's blessed us!  I will write in here again; until then, this is Anjelita Quinones saying adios!  Hasta luego!

~Love, your new friend in California, Anjelita.  :)