Sun-Beams is a collection of links to stories, articles, photos, or videos I have come across that inspired, informed, or encouraged me, or just caused me to think, as well as my favorite photo posted on my other blog, Violet Film, from the past week.
My brother’s valuable life – if you don’t read any of the other Sun-Beams links this week, read this one.
Man doesn’t let cerebral palsy keep him from karate milestone
Handicap This! A reality show: two men, a wheelchair, and a friendship
Photo of the Week:
Welcome! My name is Andi.
I'm an ordinary mom with extraordinary kids, living an ordinary yet extraordinary life. Join me as I navigate the waters of life with a daughter with cerebral palsy, a son with Down syndrome, an adventurous husband, a wild Westie, a rescued Schnoodle, a camera, and a worn out pair of running shoes.
Sarah Kate was our miracle baby, born too early and way too small for comfort. She was a fighter from Day One and doesn't know the meaning of quit. Oh, and she's hilarious to boot.
The name Nathan is derived from Nathaniel, which means "gift from God" and he is just that - in more ways that one. He's joyful, devious, sneaky, and yes, his eyes really are that blue.
Mr. Andi is pretty visible in real life, so he prefers to keep a lower profile online. He is an avid reader of the blog, so I'm taking a chance that he won't notice that I've put his photo up! Mr. Andi loves anything outdoorsy - fishing, hunting, you name it.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
A wonderful story from Cal Thomas! I’ve been working with a young man with cerebral palsy whose mother “threw him away” but his grandparents took over and gave him the kind of love and support all people deserve as a basic human right.
The stories he tells of the treatment he has received, even in prestigious institutions, is heartbreaking. It seems that they wanted to limit him to “one-handed basket weaving” when his ambitions were much higher.
He is a wonderful young man who is a delight to be around, and I don’t mean his “courage” or “bravery in the face of adversity.” I mean he’s a magnificent human being. I’m humbled to be counted among his friends.
Incidentally, we have a picture of James, our oldest child, almost identical to the one you posted of Nathan!
I would love to see that picture!!!
Adversity breeds character, there’s no doubt it. We have a friend who is in her 20s whose story sounds very similar to the young man you mentioned. Her mother “couldn’t deal” when she was very young and she was raised by her grandparents. Today, she’s married with a steady job and kids, and is well-known in her community for her work ethic.
I saw your blog featured on Momcomm and just had to check out all the cute pictures Mel mentioned. Your site looks really nice and has some pretty cool features.