Sorry - I would have written directly, but am just now seeing this thread, and don't know the Pages' handle name.
Chris and Eric:
Just wanted you to know you are both blessed to have Nate. I believe you have been chosen to care for him. You are one of the fortunate people on this earth that get to see life from another perspective. (you get to be in the presence of an angel on earth. I understand seeing their soul in their eyes).
I know, as I have a daughter with Downs Syndrome. - would never have thought this was possible in a million years. My dh and I were both straight "A" students, and excelled in college too.
Sometimes God gives us things/challenges in life to help us grow and for us to help others as well. ( I supppose the irony for my DH and I is to have a child with a mental handicap).
My dd, Becky, will be 6 yrs old this December (On our upcoming cruise, If we still get to go!!!). Having her around has been a real reality check. When people say "Well, isn't she cute", I always wonder if they can tell if she has downs syndrome? (I'm sure they can, but I don't even see it anymore). Yes, she has shorter arms, and I have to roll up her sleeves, and her ears are small, and look like a pixie, but this is what makes her "cute".
God never gives you more than you can handle. I have tremendous respect for people such as yourself and Eric, who seem to have even more challenges than we have. What strong people you must be to be chosen for your role. There are not many people that can handle a handicap child.
I wish your family continued success/happiness and send out a special hope that so many others in this world get a chance to be effected by a handicap person, so that they too can experience life from another perspective. I know first hand. It is SOOOOO
different than you would imagine, and the "hidden" blessing are enormous.
p.s. Thank you Verandah Man for your
touching gift, that touched us all as well.
Celebrate Life