More Alike Than Different

There are so many good things happening for people with special needs this summer! The National Down Syndrome Congress held its convention in Florida at Disney World. There's a great "We're More Alike Than Different" campaign happening, full of stories of how people with special needs are impressing the world around them. I loved the photo of Anthony Shriver (nephew of John F. Kennedy) lifting up a competing swimmer at Camp Shriver in Boston to congratulate him in winning.~~~Our son, Jeff would have loved all this activity. He began attending Special Olympics Events when he was little. Their Oath said, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Here is an excerpt from "Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs," titled, "Courage! Sharing! Joy!"~~~"Good morning, God!" The chaplain, Jeff's dad, asked God's blessing on the day as the bright, warming May sky welcomed the Special Olympic games. Our excitement for Jeff and the other participants was brimming over. Jeff's teachers plus several of the families of his classmates were eager to cheer on every athlete's endeavor to succeed. Special Olympics began for Jeff in the spring of 1970 in Dunkirk, when he was almost 9 years old. I am eternally thankful to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who started a day camp with her husband, Sargent, in their backyard in the early 1960s. This day camp for individuals included her sister Rose, who was developmentally disabled with mental retardation, and it launched the way for Special Olympics in the United States and around the world. Our opening parade in the city of Jamestown began forming with the mayor and our state senator at the head. A Sousa march burst forth from the loudspeaker, accompanying the athletes around the track, and their excited waves fired our applause. Then the sight that continues to thrill me every time I see it -- a runner lighting the Olympic torch. Let the games begin! The cheers from parents, teachers, aides and clasmates were deafening! At the end of the event each athlete received a special hug, among much cheering and applause. People in charge made sure all players were rewarded. In the 1970s everyone received a ribbon, even if it was simply for taking part. Now it was Jeff's turn for the softball throw. "You go, Jeff!" He earned a red ribbon -- second prize! "Yay! That's great, Jeff! Come get your hug!" (My prayer at the end of that day was, "Hallelujah! What a day! All that courage and sharing and joy! You enjoyed it, too, didn't You, Jesus?"

Adopted Children with Down Syndrome

"The cover of your book about your son, Jeff has his picture on it when he was one or two, doesn't it?" asked the sales clerk when I checked on its progress at Alpha and Omega. "No, Jeff was four in that picture. He has Down Syndrome." The man's manner brightened immediately. "We have a lady who works in here who adopted two children with Down Syndrome, a girl and boy only four months apart. She wanted them to grow up together. She has six other children who do not have Down Syndrome. This is one special lady!!" He was enthusiastic to tell me he had invited them out to his home where they could ride horses, which they thoroughly enjoy. "I love to have them around. There are lots of smiles and hugs, and there is no pretending with them -- they are right up front!" We concluded that the love that children with Down syndrome give is an unconditional love. I remember Jeff often saying to the people in his Lifetime Assistance, Inc. residences "I love you!" Some would say to him, "Ah, Jeff, you say that all the time. You don't mean it." And Jeff would simply reply, "I love you!" and leave it at that. This conversation in the store was a great blessing for me.

Inspiration and Encouragement

Jeff loved Camp Joy! He loved Joan Van de Wall, Camp Joy Director! Joan was there at the end of Jeff's earthly life, when he told her he was ready to go to see Jesus. For a while I couldn't go back to Camp Joy, but I wrote about it in the script of "Journey With Jeff," first produced in a 5-CD package. When Joan listened to these she wrote, "Your tape is an absolute spiritual piece of hard and struggling work! It is an inspiration to all who listen. I can feel your hurts, struggles and at times discouragement. I could also feel Jeff's emotions, which brought back many memories. I could feel Bob's struggles, too, and his faith. Yes, Jennifer, too --her patience at times and her love for her family, and Jeff. This work of Discipleship is great for anybody who is struggling with their problems -- the same 'God, hear my cry;' and 'God, help me to listen and trust;' and 'God, I love you, help my unbelief!' Jeff's faith just shines through like the light in a dark room. He sure is a precious gift to all he encountered."~~~Joan bought a couple dozen copies of "Journey With Jeff" to give away to her Camp Joy staff. Memories were stirred. People became aware of what parents of people with special needs go through. Some said it was amazing what Jeff could do, and what he could understand. Camp Joy's staff is incredible, too. They have been loving caregivers for more than 25 years! I can hear Jeff's affirming, "Yeah, Mom!!" now.

Conversations With Kim - My Cheerleader!

Kim works with adults with special needs at a Rochester agency. I met her at our Lutheran Women's convention in October where she bought a copy of "Journey With Jeff." She has a special place in her heart for people who live with Down syndrome. We had lots to share, and she calls me her "mentor," enthusiastically talking about the book to everyone she can. Howie works at the agency, too, and related how he met Jeff and me at Camp Joy. This photo of Jeff and Howie at Camp Joy made her smile, and comment that "when people with Downs smile, it lights up the whole room!"~~~Kim's thoughts mean even more when she tells me she's a twin, born blind, and with no muscle tone. Her mother worked unbelievably hard and long on her legs, even when the doctors said it was hopeless. The three optical operations she had, and the persistent sessions with her legs resulted in being able to see, and then, for 29 years to hold the job she has now!! Kim is one of my best cheerleaders! She has asked me to send her a dozen copies of the book, and 1/2 dozen CDs of "Journey With Jeff," imagining every person she can possibly tell about the difference Jeff made in God's world! You go, girl!!