In just 4 more days, Johnny, you will be a big boy of ten years. You are no longer the little baby you once were, the baby boy I remember when you first came into our lives nearly ten years ago. (March of 2003 will mark your ten year anniversary when you were adopted into our family. You were just 3 months old then.)
You have never ceased to amaze all who have come to know you; and you have brought our family countless moments of joy and hope; and you have survived so many incredible challenges. You have cheated death countless times, and each time you have emerged, stronger and more determined than ever to overcome your disabilities that muscular dystrophy has placed upon you. You don't let your disabilities bring you down (although there are times when you feel overwhelmed), and you always usually have such an upbeat attitude and such a big smile on your little face. You have plenty of opportunity to feel sorry for yourself, but your courage shines forth like a beacon in the night, and you have touched so many people. You are an inspiration, and you are a living little Miracle from God, and there isn't ANY day where we DON'T thank Him for you. You are one of our greatest blessings, Johnny, and we wanted you to know that.
Johnny, I remember the first time I saw you..a rosy-cheeked, chubby infant with peach fuzz for hair that was snow white, the bluest eyes I had ever seen on a human child, and a dimpled smile that absolutely melted my heart each time you smiled or laughed. You were such a happy, complacent child, and you hardly ever cried (unlike your sister, Ronee', who proved to be quite a challenge for our emotional states!).
I also remember the time when you were so sick with the meningitis that threatened to rob you of a normal life; yet, despite the disabilities you were left with, you were more determined to overcome them, and you amazed your doctors, all, of whom, didn't offer you much in the way of hope. I also remember the time when doctors told us that you had Duchenne's muscular dystrophy shortly after the time you began to walk, and how our world came crashing down at that moment, but then you carried your little head high, and you weren't about to let such a catastrophic illness ruin you; and you went on as long as you were able. You were three when you first got braces and crutches; and you got around better than most kids with the disease. You continued to romp and roughhouse like any other normal toddler child, and if you fell, you got right back up and continued with your play.
At five, you got your first wheelchair; and we hated that DAMN thing. We knew, once you were in it, you'd never com out of it again, but you proved doctors wrong because up until last year, you mainly got around with your braces and crutches, and you only used your wheelchair for longer trips. Now you are using it more, but you still use your crutches for short trips, and you are more determined than ever to keep your muscles as supple and strong as able, and you enjoy such an active, carefree life. You still hang out with your friends, you still play some sports, you still play the video games that you love so dearly, and you still sing. You also still draw and write stories; and you are truly a very gifted young man who does so well in school now. You are truly amazing, and we are so happy you are a part of our family!
Now your disease is starting to take a toll on your little body. That is, you need more help in doing things or caring for your personal needs, and you need help with oxygen for your breathing; but even despite these new challenges, your smile still is as bright as ever, and you still find hope in each thing you do. You never complain, and you have made so many wonderful friends, both at school and at muscular dystrophy camp, and you have been fortunate to have met many celebrities, who have all fallen in love with you. You brightened their lives, and they will never forget you. I know I won't (and I am NOT just saying that because I am your mother!)!!
You are our other greatest Christmas gift from God (even though your birthday is the day AFTER); and we are so blessed you are a part of our lives. You carry the spirit of Christmas the whole year through, and many people can learn so much because of you. You have taught others how to care, and you have taught them how to be compassionate to those who are less fortunate than they are, and you have taught them what it is to love or how to BE loved. You carry the Love of Jesus in your heart, and people see this whenever they see you, Johnny. You are their hope, their rock, their hero.
Well, I will write more tomorrow; I have more to say to you. I have to get to the store to get some last minute things. Until then, Johnny, take care, and may you have a blessed and very merry Christmas! And may your birthday be the BEST ONE EVER!!
with MUCH love, Your Maman. (((HUGS))) and XXXXX's, too!! :)
For the past two years (2006-2008) The Bridge of Silver Wings has earned a name for itself both as a series of poems published in different e-zines and as a book first published in 2007.
What makes this 2009 edition a special one is th
What began as Songs of the Angelic Gaze in the summer of 2006 continued the following year as The Bridge of Silver Wings, and developed even further two years after that into The Bridge of Silver Wings 2009. Whether readers describe it as a conversa
What began as Songs of the Angelic Gaze in the summer of 2006 continued the following year as The Bridge of Silver Wings, and developed even further two years after that into The Bridge of Silver Wings 2009. Whether readers describe it as a conversa
