Bill writes about his son, Johnny, who is ten-and-a-half, and who suffers from a neuromuscular disorder, muscular dystrophy.
He writes his son in the form of a letter.
September 15, 2003~
Dear Johnathon~
You are my joy, my light, my hope, my inspiration.
Every day, I am amazed at your unfaltering courage, and I am amazed at your attitude towards life, even when life threatens to hand you lemons. Somehow, you usually always have a smile on your face, and you somehow find a way to get through any obstacle that enters your path.
You have been through so much already in your life, and you should have already died; but somehow, by the grace of God, you are still here today, defying the odds and amazing your doctors.
I don't need to tell you what you have endured; but I am sure you already know some of what you have had to go through. You have endured brain damage, incredible sickness that has threatened your life several times, being in a coma more than once, heart attacks, stoppage of your breathing, and damage to your eyes and hearing. You have also had to endure seizures and ever-increasing weakness to your muscles thanks to a neuromuscular disorder. You are a Miracle child, and I don't know how you keep hanging on to life; but somehow, you do, and this is why your doctors are so baffled. Just when they think you are at the end, you somehow pull an unexpected surprise, and you manage to recover from whatever illness or problem that comes your way.
Even with everything you have already gone through in your short life, you still find time to smile, to laugh, and to brighten the lives of others. You are so full of love, joy, and compassion, and you always have a very positive attitude about you. You never complain (MUCH), and you never have a cross word for ANYBODY. You take the time to enjoy life; and you still find the time to act like a normal little boy who happens to be physically disabled and is in a wheelchair.
You don't know HOW proud I am to be your father. You are everything in a son that I could have ever hoped (or asked) for, and you make my life worth living. You are extremely funny, shy at times, gregarious, extremely competitive, be it with your baseball or among your brothers or sisters, and very smart. You have improved so much in your schooling, and it is like you are a completely different child. You are so happy now, and it makes my heart swell with fatherly pride whenever I see your grade cards. When you were once bringing home D's and F's, you are now bringing home B's and even A's! You are also very handsome with your spiky blonde hair and big, bright blue eyes, and you are driving the little girls in your grade CRAZY! I know that you don't like girls right now, but boy, they sure do like YOU!
You also have compassion towards those in need of a friend or a helping hand, and you aren't afraid to reach out your hand and let others know that you care. You have a Christian heart, and the love of your Lord and Saviour shines in all that you do! I am sure that Jesus is in Heaven right now, smiling down at you; He is so proud of how you have taken responsibility for your actions and that you know right from wrong, and that you have chosen the path for good. You are a very loving child, and you have a very good heart and mind. Every time I see you wipe a tear from your little brother's (or sister's) face, help mommy with the babies, or see you giving a stranger a hug or a smile when they are sad or in pain makes me feel so proud to be your father, and I am then so blessed to know that you are our son. You have brought us nothing but happiness, and you are definitely a Miracle from God!
I know it isn't right, or even fair, to compare you to your brothers and sisters, but if I HAD to pick out a favorite of the children in our family, you would be right there at the top. I have never seen a child quite like you, and your courage and bravery in the face of illness is nothing short of extraordinary. You have taught us that life does go on, even if one is seriously or terminally ill, and your outlook is so positive and inspiring. Oh! If only I had your outlook; I would be a much better (and happier) person!
Thank you, Johnny, for bringing us ten years of happiness, joy, and Miracles to our lives! Our lives have certainly been enriched by your presence and courage, and we feel so honored to be your parents!
I love you more than words can ever say, and I love you with all my heart and being! God bless you, dear Johnny; thank you for brightening our lives!
