Every first Sunday of the month our church has a Fast and Testimony meeting. During this hour, members of our congregation can speak and bear their testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and how they have learned certain doctrine and principles to be true for themselves.
I was walking the halls of the church on Sunday with a little boy (who was being a slight distraction in our class) when I overheard a testimony of a girl in the ward after us. I know this sweet girl. She is a few years older than I am and we grew up together for a majority of our childhood years. She was born with Downs Syndrome and has been a joy in the lives of many. She always had a smile on her face a a practical joke to play on anyone who wasn't watching her closely. We just love her.
As I listened to her testimony I was overwhelmed with the love that this sweet girl has for her family - especially her mother. She said, "And I love my mother. She is the most beautiful mother in the world." I know her mother as well - and she IS a beautiful and wonderful mother. I know that her daughter could see into her mother's heart and find the beauty that is there.
As she concluded her testimony she said, "I love my life." I couldn't help but feel the tears well up in my eyes. I am sure when her mom and dad first found that their daughter had Downs Syndrome they were concerned about her quality of life. I know I was very overwhelmed with fear and concern when I was told that my son would not lead a normal, healthy life. These parents have been more than amazing examples to me in my life and they have made their daughter's life a beautiful example to so many as well.
As her words rang over and over in my head I hope that my baby Gavin could say the same thing. There really is nothing I would love more than to hear him tell us that he loves us and that he loves his life.
I want to love life like this girl does. She finds joy in everything. I am trying to find that too.
6 comments:
As always you amaze me with your insight and ability to see the silver lining in all things. You are such an inspiration to me!
Aren't these people just so amazing? They find joy in the simplest things and in things that are so complicated to us. I love her too :)
I have read your story and literally felt the love you and your extended families have for Gavin, and I truly believe that there is NO way that Gavin wouldn't tell everyone that he had the best life ever! Gavin was lucky enough to feel more love in his short lifetime than some kids feel in their long lives.
Isn't it so amazing the true love she has for everyone and everything in her life. It is so true about her constant smile. That is a family that is just so warm. I just love to read your posts. I always knew you were an amazing person growing up but never could I amagine the strength and wisdom you have. I am so lucky to have you as a true friend.
there was the sweetest down syndrome girl in our ward who was the 1st to the pulpit every month. I love hearing from angels... and yes, Gavin would have nothing to say but how grateful he is for such loving parents who suffered so much on his behalf- I'm sure of it.
I just finished reading the book club book you recommended. I think you know the answer to your wish...that Gavin was an angel just like Charity and would have the exact same feelings and thoughts. I'm certain he yearns for you to receive that gift of peace and knowledge that he loved his life with you, loves you, and love his life still.
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