Of Clouds and Silver Linings

Foreword: This is the transcript of the speech given on the occasion of Optimal Academy's 2017 Commencement and Completion Exercises where our son Kevin was conferred as a graduate.

Speaking in public in not always easy, more so when it is about a topic that is so close to my heart and triggers memories that is sure to make me emotional.  In the process of writing the speech, I edited and rewrote it several times. I had to remind myself that this is not about me.  

This is in honor of a son who, every single day, had to struggle fitting in into a world that doesn't make sense to him. This is the story of his journey and the Divinely Orchestrated coincidences that steered us to paths we have taken as a family.

*****

Good afternoon to all! It is an honor to share with you the highlights of Kevin's journey leading to this blessed day.  

Let me tell you a bit about myself and our family.  I am a Chemical engineer and I work as the Supply Chain/Operations Manager in a multinational corporation.  My children grew up with my workplace as a constant, significant part of their lives.  In fact, the people I work with know Kevin and Kyla very well.   But, end of the day I am simply “Mommy Armie” to Kevin and Kyla, and the better half of whom all of you know so well as Daddy Alvin.   

Kyla is our younger daughter and she grew up taking over the role of an elder sister for Kevin.  You will see her in Optimal Academy whenever she doesn’t have classes and she likes helping around.  She promised that she will continue to take care of Kevin when her father and I grow old, and while we cannot beholden her to that promise, I of course silently pray that she will continue to be the loving sister for Kevin, wherever life takes her.

Today is a very meaningful day for Kevin.   This day is the culmination of those colorful, sometimes difficult but surprisingly wonderful journeys that he had to take in his life.

11 years ago, it was Kyla’s moving up day in toddler school.  When the preparatory class entered for the graduation march, I stood there watching and I couldn’t hold back the tears.  I kept thinking that our son, Kevin, should have been there with them and we didn’t know if the time will ever come for him to march in his own graduation. 

Kevin attended Early Intervention program for nearly 3 years, and one day we were told by the Developmental Pediatrician that Kevin’s chance of being able to talk and join regular school will be very slim-- that we should consider just having him stay at home and use picture exchange communication system (PECS), and instead save the huge expenses for speech therapies and SPED.  We still followed the doctor and adopted PECS for Kevin.  But we also continued with the therapies even though it was evident that Kevin did not like it.  More importantly, it forced us to evaluate what does he need, what is most impactful to his development and where do you find that help?

The blessings came and our questions were answered.   Kevin was accepted into Kyla’s pre-school class three times weekly for socialization, music, art and PE class.  He was the oldest and tallest kid there.  Kyla’s classmates adore him, took care of him and they all call him Kuya Kevin too.  This created a world of difference to Kevin -- he enjoyed going to school, he gladly performed in the school programs, which he used to not like.  He learned from the school kids by imitating proper social behaviors.

In 2010, Kevin marched for his first graduation day in pre-school.  Everyone applauded for him when he went on stage to receive his award.  They all knew, he had come a long way.  Indeed, when a door closes, a window opens.  You have to also trust what your child really, truly needs.  Kevin taught us that being in a community where he is loved, accepted and where he can be happy is a powerful life-changer.

While these were all happening for Kevin, my husband and I had to make a very important decision.  My husband Alvin left his career at San Miguel Corporation and dedicated his time to be with Kevin.  It was a tough call but in the end, we both understood that it was over and beyond our individual aspirations in life.  I cannot forget what he told me, he said, “I can live with letting go of a career and what-might-have-been, but I cannot live with not doing everything that I can to help Kevin.”

Through Alvin, we learned to understand Kevin better- like why he acts or responds a certain way.  Alvin followed through at home the programs from school.   Kevin’s focus and attention span improved!   Alvin continued to provide significant inputs in shaping up Kevin’s learning program over the years.

Looking back, I strongly believe that the events in our life were part of divinely orchestrated coincidences.  In late 2010, our family moved to Singapore because of my job.  By that time, Kevin was more prepared to live outside of the Philippines because of the improvements in his adaptation.  Kevin took up Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and after exactly seven days, one morning Kevin surprised us because he was able to finally communicate with us verbally!  Since then, he began to express his needs and say simple phrases… “I want to eat”, “I want to sleep”, “I want toilet”.  This validated my belief that our relocation to Singapore happened for a special reason.  

We came back to Philippines in 2013.  Kevin was already in his teens and it felt like starting all over again.  One afternoon, we visited Teacher Weng of Trails Center.  While waiting for her, I saw this yellow brochure of a SPED school.  Alvin and I thought that this seem to match what Kevin needed.  So we went there—to Optimal Academy (author's note: this is Kevin's current DepEd accredited school for special education).   Initially we were hoping that he will be able to say the ABCs but after a few months, Kevin learned to read, learned to use the laptop and copy-type and he expanded his vocabulary.  The rest as they say is history.

Now that Kevin had become a young man, we are again, in a new learning curve.  We have learned to see his individuality, understand his changing moods.  We learned when to impose authority and when to back off and just let him be. 

Kevin gave us the inspiration to never give up and that in this world, our love and acceptance is all that mattered.  We are grateful to the Lord who gave us the strength to push on, to always look forward to better days.  For giving us Kevin and Kyla, who made us better persons.

We are also thankful for the Angels around us- the teachers and educators, who have selflessly given Kevin their patience and encouragement in ways that made his life richer and meaningful.   They too, have given us hope to cling on to, during the days when the skies look overcast.

To end, I would like to share my favorite quote from a fellow parent-writer (Pinky Cuaycong) : “When the clouds are forever hiding the sun, you learn to squint your eyes and look hard for the silver lining.  And true enough, by God’s mercy, they are always there.”

From the bottom of my heart… congratulations to all of you, dear students and graduates --  PJ, Stefi and Kevin.  Congratulations to my fellow parents for reaching this wonderful milestone!   May God continue to bless us all!

Good day and thank you for listening!

The honor of giving Kevin his graduation medal belongs to his Dad.
This is his milestone too, in many ways.

Sunny Days (Alvin's Inspirational Speech from the 2014 Commencement Exercise of Optimal Academy)

After what seemed to be a long while, Kevin was blessed to have been a part of Special Education once more after we came back to Manila last year.  That we landed with Optimal Academy was not a mere happenstance, if I look back.  I was in a meeting with Kevin's speech therapist in another center when I saw the school's flyer propped at the desk. I took one and thought that this is what Kevin needed. We have been looking for a new school for him somewhere within south. Alvin and I decided to visit their school that week. And rest, is history.

In Optimal Academy's Commencement Exercise and Recognition Day for undergraduates, my husband Alvin had the privilege of giving an inspirational talk about a father and son's journey through life's challenges.  Known as "Daddy Alvin" at school, he is a mainstay at Optimal Academy.  All the students know him and in a way, he is sort of a father figure for them as well alongside Sir John (school President), especially for the teenage boys.

Alvin's speech brought tears to my eyes, remembering the poignant days when we were starting out as young parents for Kevin and Kyla.  But it also gave me an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness to the Lord, for giving me a better half who is truly our hero in every sense of the word.  

This is the transcript of his speech....

"Good afternoon to all!

Some of you already know me because I always go to Optimal Academy with my son Kevin.  Today, let me introduce myself a little bit more.

I am a Chemical Engineer by profession, and worked for years in San Miguel Corporation until Kevin was diagnosed with ASD with Apraxia when was nearly 3 years old.  My wife Armie, who is also a Chemical Engineer, is the one literally supporting our family right now.  So I would like to thank her for doing the job that I am supposed to do.  She once told me, that we all have roles in life... And this is my role.

Ten years ago, my wife and I decided that one of us should focus on attending to Kevin full-time, so that we can understand his needs better and help him in the process.  At first, it wasn't easy for me to accept the role that I am doing.  I felt ashamed of myself when some of my peers would ask me where I am working.  I am afraid that some of them will not understand me, especially those who don't know Kevin and his challenges.  Well it doesn't really matter, as long as I am getting the love and respect from my wife and my kids, it's fine with me.

Then, I learned about Stock Market Online.  That changed everything.  It's not much, but enough to bring back my self confidence and improve my skills.  So every day, Kevin and I go to Optimal Academy for him to study,  and for me to work (on my stocks) and assist him.  With God's help, we found the best set up for the two us.

Kevin has a sister, her name is Kyla.  Everyday, after coming from school, the first thing that Kyla would do is check Kevin's diary.  She also likes teaching Kevin at home.  Whenever she has no class, she always come with us in Optimal Academy to help Kevin and the other students too. One day she told us that she would like to be a teacher for special children and that she will open her own school someday.

Among the parents here, I would say I am lucky, to have the opportunity to see these children every day.  So please allow me share to you some of my observations in the school.

First, they are learning because they are happy.  Unlike most of us, we become happy only if we get the things we want in life.  But for these students, happiness comes first.  They go to school every day excited, because they know that they will have fun.  They like going to school, and they love the people in Optimal Academy.  I challenge you..., visit Optimal Academy and count the people that will greet you.  Some students will even hug you!  And then, go to other schools and see if you'll get the same. The feeling of being welcomed and accepted makes them ready to listen and learn.  So, make them happy and they will learn.  I remember the time when I taught Kevin how to use chopsticks.  He learned it in just one day simply because he likes to eat and he was happy.

The second point that I would like to share is, not every day is a Sunny Day... But I am sure, Sunny Days will always come.  There will be days with crying and resistance... and there will be days, they will surprise you on how fast they learn.

When Kevin was six years old, his Developmental Pediatrician told us that Kevin will never talk... that we can already stop his Speech therapy, and start teaching him PECS (Picture-Exchange Communication System).  It was hard to accept, but we followed the doctor's recommendation.  We introduced PECS to him.  However, we did not stop his Speech therapy.  In short, we did not give up... and will never give up.

After four years, at age 10, he started communicating with us verbally.  He learned to say simple words like, "I want to eat" when he is hungry, "I want to sleep" when he is tired and "I want toilet" when he wants to go...

And then January of this year, just three months ago..., Kevin started reading.  Something we did not expect.  Believe it or not, our goal for this school year is just for him to learn the alphabet... Just the simple A, B, C.  It took him a while... but he's now getting there.

THANK YOU to the teachers of Optimal Academy for your patience and always believing on him.  Truly, everything will fall into the right place, at the right time... IN GOD'S TIME!

And today, to all the graduates, TODAY IS YOUR TIME! So congratulations to you all for a job well done.  And to the other students, as Teacher Lani always say, "YOU CAN DO IT"..., "WE CAN DO IT!"

I would like to end my sharing with a short video for you to know and understand Kevin.  Hope you'll like it.  Thank you and good day!"

Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley

I first came across Emily Perl Kingsley's famous article in the Chicken Soup of the Soul -- Children with Special Needs edition. This was the opening essay. It brought me to tears the first time I read it. And despite having read  it for probably the hundredth time, it still bring tears to my eyes. I can openly talk about our son Kevin, the challenges he went through, the triumphs he has made, the inevitable future. But not without having tears well up my eyes, no matter what.

Because Emily Perl Kingsley is right. There is a raw pain, hidden very much deep within that will never, ever, ever go away. But it also brought special meaning - a reason for being, in our lives. And in the grand scheme of things, the wisdom behind the reason is more important than the pain.


Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley
c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved


I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

About the Author
Emily Perl Kingsley is a writer who joined the Sesame Street team in 1970 and has been writing for the show ever since. Her son Jason Kingsley was born with Down Syndrome in 1974. At the time of his birth, it was commonly believed that children with Down Syndrome could never learn to walk or talk. Kingsley's work as a writer and activist for children with special needs helped change this perception. Her experiences with Jason inspired her to include people with disabilities into the Sesame Street cast, including an actress who uses a wheelchair, Tarah Schaeffer, and even Jason himself. Jason's story was the topic of an hour-long NBC television special in 1977, titled "This Is My Son," and with co-author Mitchell Levitz, Jason wrote the book "Count Us In: Growing Up With Down Syndrome."

One Fine Day

I procrastinated for more than a year to write this specific blog entry, only because it's too emotional for me. I could not write about it without having tears well up in my eyes. Just like now.

But it's high time to share this and I owe it to our special son. 

This blog is in honor of Kevin's upcoming birthday.

The first graduation event we attended was Kyla's graduation from Toddler class. It's more of a moving-up day but they have all these graduation garbs, toga, photo ops, ceremonies and marching-down-the-aisle-thing anyway. When the Preparatory class marched in last, I was overwhelmed with emotion then because I could not help but think that our son should have been a part of it, given his age that time. He should have been there with those kids on their graduation day.

To an outsider, I probably look silly, standing there and fighting off the tears over some preschool graduation. I will admit that while we had come to terms with the probability then that Kevin might not make it past the traditional academic level, there were moments when the could-have-beens come to haunt me. It was that kind of a moment.

And because Kyla will actually have her graduation ceremony year-after-year until she completes Preparatory (yes, there's graduation day for Toddler, Nursery, Kindergarten too - like 4 graduations in 4 years!), it means I will have to deal with the sentiment for the next 3 years.

Fast Forward to 2010

There are mysterious happenstance in this life. Kevin entered Kyla's preschool in 2008 under Special Education program. I learned that his program is also called Social Inclusion. This gave Kevin an opportunity to socialize with school kids and help him 'imitate' the right behaviors (taking turn, listening, lining up, socializing, sharing) in a school setting. He looked like a cute big brother because he was already 8 and he had to go with the pre-schoolers' class. He enjoyed going to school and we know this because otherwise he would have thrown fits going to a place he didnt like. We didnt mind that he was with preschoolers and the other parents didnt mind too. In fact, everybody knew and loved him. Kyla's classmates call him Kuya Kevin too. And they all help look after Kevin.

By end of the school year, Kevin is finally about to have his graduation day, dressed in his burgundy graduation gown along side Kyla graduating from Preparatory. We were all very excited that day.

Everyone helped him prepare for his graduation day. We had a dress rehearsal to ensure that he wont get irritated in the long, heavy gown and so that he will be comfortable with the cap. In the morning of his graduation day, we took him to the venue so that he is familiar and "at home" with the place. They also practised a lot before school year ended but it would be safe to have him see the venue with all the trimmings. We also arrived early so that he has time to get cozy and comfortable. He happily posed along with the other kids for picture taking before the ceremony began.

And so the moment we have been waiting for was at hand. He was in a good mood that day, with Kyla (also in grad gown) constantly fluttering by beside him.



Kevin looked serious throughout the event. He probably knew it was an important day.

We were nervous about the graduation march because we knew Kevin had a thing against the long, heavy flowing gown. It was too warm for him.

And so the time came... Kevin was the last to march in from their level. Kevin walked past looking calm and confident with his gown and graduation cap in place. And for the rest of the program, he was at his best behavior, simply sitting on his place with his fellow graduates and he finished the program without fits! He even participated in all the song numbers.

When he was called to receive his Diploma and Special Award, Kevin stood up from his seat and walked up the stage on his own. Parents were asked meet their child on stage but will have to come from the other end of the stage. I gave him his batch pin and the school head handed his diploma and special award for Visual-Spatial intelligence.  Then he bowed down to the audience.  The parents applauded for him. We all knew he had come a long way. I frozed that moment in my mind.

Yes, it was indeed a most memorable moment.

Kevin received the Visual-Spatial Intelligence Award and everyone applauded when he took a bow.

It was surreal. Again, I had the tears in my eyes but this time, they were tears of happiness.

I thank God for the opportunity given to Kevin. For a space in time, he belonged and was a part of something very special.

 It was a day we will forever cherish and remember.

It was one fine day. Out of many more that I know will come.

Kevin and Kyla with their Graduation gifts

The Story Behind The Gift

Last Friday, Kevin approached me immediately after he woke up and gave me a purple-colored thingy. It was a bracelet he made (I deduced this was from his school work) using colored buttons and flowerettes. It sure looked funky and hip! I bet it was from his Fine Motor skills activity. He always liked beading.

If you look closely, there was a small capiz shell material attached to it. One side says "I love U" and the other side has Kevin's name.

Then he uttered in his usual sing-song tone a-pi-a-ders-de ("Happy Mother's Day"). It was his Mother's Day present. As always, it yet again made my day. Kyla eagerly told his Dad about Kevin's craft. I knew she has a surprise coming for me too (she always do) but she is saving this for Sunday. I am happy to see her being proud of her Kuya's work too.

I was wearing purple that day so I wore it at once and all the way to work. When I showed him later that day that I wore it, he smiled broadly. I always wear it now.

Espesyal

April 1 is the World Autism Awareness Day.

Coincidentally, this marks Kevin's 1st Day at his new 'school' in Singapore. While it is a learning center for his speech therapy, it is simpler in his mind to just call it school. Even if Singapore is such a small island-country, I was amazed to learn the sheer number of Special Schools and Therapy / Learning Centers.

Back in our country, through the active advocation of Autism Society of the Philippines, I believe that the awareness and acceptance for people special needs have improved over the years.

However, it is also true that there will still be pockets of discrimination and misinformation. As parents of a special needs child, we have learned to take in stride the demeaning and condescending stares of people specially during the early years when our son would have a melt down in public places. They wouldn't know of course how difficult it was for a child to not be able to express his needs and be understood.

Not too long ago, I once had a colleague back in Philippines who called a famous media personality's son (a special needs child) as 'abnoy' (colloquial for abnormal) in one our conversation. Whether or not he realized that I am a parent of a special needs child, and that his comment alluded to how I think he sees my son --  I wouldn't know. I looked back at how I felt that moment.

And it wasn't righteousness or anger. I felt sadness. That he couldn't see past the curtain of a person's disability. Or see the beauty or the goodness within that every special child represents - that's why they are called Angels on Earth.

This day is not just a Special Day for all the Special Needs People all over the world- this is also a symbolic day we share with our families, friends, therapists, caregivers, teachers, advocates and professionals-- and the random every day people they meet -- who makes our Angels' world a little bit brighter.. a lot more optimistic and who sees them exactly as our Creator willed them to be. Special.

A Reason to Believe

"To everything there is a reason. And a season to every purpose, under Heaven."

And so that was exactly how it was written, in a stationery pad I owned many years ago. They were only words then. But now I know better.

Reasons

Alvin aptly puts it in his facebook post: 

"We have always tried to get Kevin to express his needs and wants without prompting or asking. This morning he woke up very early. He was waiting at the living room and he approached me and said "I want to eat."  It was not too long ago when the Dev Ped told us that Kevin will not be able to talk. We refused and still refuse to believe this. We continued to hope (and pray; and do our part) that in His time Kevin will be able to talk.

Thank you Lord for giving us hope!"

As for me, I could not agree more. These are Little Miracles brought about by a boy who gave much meaning to our lives and from The One Above who sent Kevin.

This happened a few days after Kevin's pre-program assessment for his therapies that are to be continued here in SG. The therapists Ms. Hui Ling taught us the right techniques to help Kevin initiate speech. And it worked!! It has given us much hope that Kevin will continue to learn more and do more.

Kevin already feeling at home with his soon-to-be second home.

I also reflected that it gave us a reason to believe that we were brought into this country for a purpose beyond our understanding.

During challenging days, I asked myself have I really done the right thing for all of us? When faced with such doubt, my husband and I will always look back at that fateful day.

It has given us hope. It has given us a reason to believe.

Thank you Lord!

Farewell to Angels

Kevin spent his last few days bidding goodbye to teachers, friends and sea of familiar faces in this world for the last 10 years. On December 28, we all finally move to Singapore. The goodbye is of course a symbolic rather than a matter-of-fact affair for him because I reckon that at this point, he doesn’t really fully well know that those moments will be the last.

Apart from the secure shell of our home, his school and therapy centers have been his “second home” all these years. We were blessed to have been surrounded by people who genuinely cared for him during those times when we were away to fulfill the needful duties for living. They opened their doors for Kevin, and have him belong and become a part of something great and worthwhile. They have been part of Kevin's small steps and little triumphs over the years. We will always be grateful to them. They will always be Kevin’s Angels on Earth.

Thank you so much—

To Teacher Weng Ynion of Trails Center. To Teachers Len, Donna, Ai and Aimee. Thank you for holding hands with us in the last seven years and through the challenges that Kevin faced, for sharing with his life's milestones. Congratulations on your new pre-school—we couldn’t have been happier knowing that more and more special kids need Angels like you in our country!

To Teacher Mon Mendez of Partners for Child Development and Progress. To Teachers Kang, Elaine, Mai, Soleil, Meng and all his former therapists. For being our partners and enabling Kevin in his ADL and for not giving up on Kevin. Thank you for the very memorable farewell dine-out you gave him... He always look at the pictures he had with you and although he cannot express it in words, I know that he is very happy and will always remember that day.

To Teachers Grace, Gerry, Edison and Lovelyn of Kindertech of Uno Cevita- for opening your doors for Kevin and other special kids who needed a chance. Thank you for giving him a place to belong and a little community where I know he is happy and loved.

I tried to be brief as I know words are not enough. We hope to see you all once again… somewhere, some time. I trust that somewhere along the road, there will be new Angels for Kevin too.

World Autism Awareness Month

April is the World Autism Awareness month. I recently bought a women's magazine featuring Children with Special needs campaigning for awareness on their thoughts, feelings, joys and challenges. It is heartwarming to know that there is so much global awareness than ever which focuses on the rights of children with special needs. I read recently that it is better to say "children/people with special needs" rather than "special kids/people". They are after all, first and foremost, a child (person).

On a personal note, I am happy to have been surrounded by a family, community, school community and fellow-parents, teachers, work-friends and caregivers who have always been supportive of our dear Kevin, not only in mere words but in the way they have cheered him on to the many important milestones in his life... by the way they have applauded for him when he marched confidently on stage to get this award during their graduation day, their words of encouragement and their sincere happiness for my behalf. The world and the children with special needs will need more of you!

Letter for Kevin (Published in PhilStar)

For our beloved Kevin,

We love you.

There were so many things we wanted to tell you, as we watch you fast asleep at night, listen to the sound of your breathing and wish that you the sweetest of dreams. A few minutes ago we said your good night prayer—a simple sign of the cross. A ritual that meant so much for me since the first time I watched you silently pause and offered your sign of the cross to Jesus on your own as your gesture of prayer. Watching you pray ends my otherwise stressful day with a feeling of peace.

There were so many things we wanted to tell you—although our conversations are rather a meeting of hearts and not of the minds. We longed to tell you of our simple dream, that you will someday let us into your world, into your mind. We wished to know why do you like the feel of grass blades? Or why do you like the smell of your old pillows? Are you hurt? Are you sad? What made you very happy today? I wish we knew but we can only guess my dear boy… and hope that our hearts will hear your voice.

We longed to tell you that you have been our source of joy and inspiration during the many trying times that had marked our lives. You made us realize what matters most in life is the joy of living each day to the fullest with the people close to your heart. The simple joy from mere togetherness. You have made mommy and daddy better persons through the humble life you live. There was just too much to say little boy, and we fervently pray that we will someday hear your voice.

You are God’s Special Child, dear Kevin. You are His gift to mom and dad, to sister Kyla, and to all the people whose lives you have touched – through the music of your laughter, your heartfelt hugs, your soulful gaze when you turn to look at me when I’m sad, as if to say “don’t worry, Kevin is here!”.

We will be here for you son. Together we shall face this life that God has given you. We will dream dreams, of His paradise, knowing in my heart that someday you will be in His paradise, where you will enjoy what the earthly life has taken away from you. We will dream these dreams, for as long as it takes. For whatever it takes.

As an old song goes…
“You and I will travel far together.
We’ll pursue our little star together.
We’ll be happy as we are together…
You and I are going on together
Until the time we have is gone forever.”

There were so many things we wanted to tell you. You may not be able to read this, little one. But someday, know in your heart that you were loved by everyone who knew you.

There were so many things we wanted to tell you. But in the end, only three words matter. Because we know, that in your heart, it is enough. It is everything.

We love you.

Daddy and Mommy


postscript: This letter also won 1st place in the Phil Star Parenting Monthly Letter Writing Contest. Kevin is an inspiration for many great things in my life!

Heaven's Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth
“It’s time again for another birth,”
Said the angels to the Lord above
This special child will need much love.
His progress may be very slow.
Accomplishments he may not show
And he’ll require extra care
From the folks he meets down there.
He may not run or laugh or play.
His thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways he won’t adapt
And he’ll be known as handicapped.
So let’s be careful where he’s sent,
We want his life to be content.
Please Lord find the person who
Will do this special job for you.
They may not realize straight away
The learning role they’re asked to play,
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love,
And soon they’ll know the privilege given
Their precious child so meek and mild
Is Heaven’s Very Special Child.

(author anonymous)