Community Inspiration and Encouragement

Community inspiration and encouragement came early in Jeff's life, interlaced with those who tried to point out that Jeff might have special needs. I did not see it, and I did not want to hear it.~~~Helene and I were young together in our congregation, and she says she remembered me sitting in the back of the church with baby Jeff, and hearing his breathing, and being afraid he would choke. She admired the way I dealt with it, with seemingly calm courage. Actually, for about two years I was in deep denial.~~~Helene's husband, Ed, was a professional photographer. He took photos of Jeff, beginning at three months, through his fourth birthday. What a legacy! His photo of Jeff at four years made the cover of "Journey With Jeff: Inspiration for Caregivers of People With Special Needs."~~~This past Christmas Helene requested a copy of "Journey With Jeff." She wrote: "When I received your book I decided that from now on nothing gets done until I have finished!" Her conclusion: "Journey with Jeff is a heart-warming, heart-rending book. It portrays the devotion, frustration and courage demonstrated by parents and caregivers of special needs children. It also teaches parents of children who have other either mental/physical disabilities how to cope -- with the Lord's help. Even in the 60's the term mongoloid was a cruel definition. A professional never should have used that term. Retarded isn't any better. God bless you both for nurturing Jeff's heart and soul with love for his Lord. Bless you for keeping the faith in times of trial, and loving each other so much, so Jeff could thrive in that atmosphere. Bless you for letting us all know that Jesus is our Best Friend as well as our God who we can talk to just as we speak to our earthly friends. The format of "Journey With Jeff" is special. Appropriate quotes at chapter beginnings, and the prayers at the end. Jeff gives to all who read his story his love and caring through his dedicated parents who helped him achieve his full potential." Helene's words are an example of the kind of community support and inspiration the Lord sent to encourage us, to show us we were not alone.