Thursday, June 25, 2009

Lessons that I alone could not teach

I am so thankful for what Jay, Noe, and eventually their littlest brother, are and will be learning. These are the incredible lessons that I would struggle to know how to impart to them with out the help of my K. My heart is so thankful that they are learning that different does not necessarily mean wrong or scary. That sometimes slowing down to help some one who can not do every thing you can do is a wonderful experience. They are seeing through eyes of love for a brother who has never walked like they have. Who can't climb or swim without help. One who can't see past his arms length or use the bathroom. They have questioned, they have sometimes made observations and noted the differences. They have wondered why. If he is older - why are there things they can do that he can't? But then they have just loved. As children do. How valuable! For them to go through life seeing through these eyes of love that started at the very beginning of their lives. Seeing those who are handicapped as people with minds, hearts, deep feelings. To value every life. I watched Jay continually make sure that K was leaning back in his floaty ring in our pool yesterday. Jay had watched K lean a little bit too far forward and get a mouth full of water one time. We immediately pulled him up, but ever since then Jay has been extra careful around K in the pool. K may argue that Jay is a bit too vigilant some times... :) "K! Make sure you are leaning back! K, you have to be careful in your floaty!" Jay is very good in the water - he loves to jump in, hold his breath, float, etc. K loves to be in the water, but his physical challenges make it difficult for him to do these things. Jay has never compared his skills with K. He just loves to swim with his brother. Helping out when he can, pulling him around in his floaty. -And he is only 4. I watched Noe clap his little hands the other day as K slowly made his way to the table for dinner. He had ventured out on his own for a few steps - letting go of the couch to step into the dining room. "MOM- do you see him?! He's walking like ME!" He clapped and told K that he was doing such a good job. -And he is only 2. We still have so much to teach them - but these little boys, at such a young age, have already grasped some very important truths due to their every day lives with a sweet little boy who has beaten alot of odds. How thankful I am for this little "teacher". Imparting things to our family which we would never truly have taken hold of in a tangible way if it were not for him.

8 comments:

Anne Elizabeth said...

This post was so precious! I love the closeness your boys share. It reminds me of my brothers and how close they were growing up (still are). I truly think that is such a gift. I pray that my kids will be close too.

Amanda said...

so incredibly precious...and yes, what a blessing that your boys are growing up learning firsthand that different doesn't mean "bad"...that they can learn to love and be compassionate and helpful to those who are different than they are. i pray my girls will grow in their closeness...and be gifted to be around other children who can teach them that different is beautiful!

Kristy said...

Oh Wendi, he is teaching us all some wonderful lessons. I feel so priveledged to "know" him and watch him grow and succeed. I can't wait until we can get them all together for a play date again. You know, now that its a hundred degrees outside! Love you all.

Sara@iSass said...

This post reminded me of when I was younger, little and we would visit my cousin who is blind and mentally handicapped. She loved music and rocking in a chair and holding a toy in her hand, tapping it on her fingers and palm. When she would drop it, I would hand her a new toy...I could watch her for hours, she fasinated me, she was in her own world, but when I'd speak to her I knew she could hear me and liked me, she would make noises back. I would ask what was wrong with her? Why was she like that, but my mom never told me. To this day I don't know exactly how or why she is the way she is, but I love that she is my cousin, and she has taught me that being "different" isn't so different when there is love.
Wanda is nearing 50 now, and I still see her through my little girl eyes, full of wonder and love.
I feel blessed to have witnessed God through her, not being fearful because she wasn't like me, but having a heart that loves her regardless, growing wiser through that.

Unknown said...

WHAT AWONDERFUL POST WENDI!

Anonymous said...

SO beautiful! What a wonderful post (as usual!).

nault's nook said...

To value life, all life, is a gift without measure. Your boys are blessed! What a closeness they seem to have as well. These are things they will take with them always! God is amazing!

Hilary said...

Beautiful! I just love the passion and innocence children have.
Your children are learning such great, godly values...how awesome is that. What blessings they all are!