Yesterday I bought tickets for my little "R&R" trip to Colorado in a few weeks.  Colorado represents serenity, peace, calmness, hope, "God moments,"wonderful memories and a sense of "Going home."  I lived in Colorado from the ages of 12 to 31, which represent some powerful stages of my life.  I graduated from Columbine High School in 1980.

This morning I read some articles about the tragic shooting at the Aurora movie theatre.  It is so easy to feel overwhelming sadness over the events of that day and then move on.  But that day changed so many lives forever.  I was reading an article about a young woman that was shot in the neck and abdomen and lost her six year-old daughter.  And now, she has lost the baby in her womb.  She is also facing paralysis and a"lifetime of care."

So many people's lives were changed...victims, family, friends and even strangers.  When we see someone with a disability we have no idea what their story is or what the events were that lead to their situation.  In addition, we have no idea what the story is behind any person, whatever their ability is.   We all have to walk in grace and extend it to those we meet.

As I continued reading about the Aurora tragedy, a beautiful song came to mind.  If I could say anything to the broken hearted in Colorado, it would be this...

You'll Never Walk Alone
R. Rogers/O. Hammerstein II


When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark


At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark


Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown


Walk on walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone


When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark


At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of the lark


Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown


Walk on walk on with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk


You'll never walk
You'll never walk alone.


May our friends in Colorado feel the depth of Christ's love and the support of people throughout the nation.

We Are Really Not So Different...

A couple of weeks ago Bill and I had the great pleasure of having dinner with two young ladies from a nearby country.  One of the young ladies is interested in starting a special needs ministry in her church.  She was such an encouragement.  She has so many great ideas and so much compassion for those with special needs challenges.

Her brother was born with Down Syndrome and later dealt with the challenges of leukemia.  He suffered so many hardships, but always had a smile on his face and was such a blessing to those around him.  I watched an inspiring video of his life and was very touched by it.  He went home to be with the Lord a couple of years ago.

It was interesting to discover that I have more misconceptions about her country than I realized.  I shared some of the impressions I had of the country in respect to attitudes about the disabled.  From that

discussion, I realized that things are pretty much the same there as they are here.  You will find pockets of people that isolate or even shun the disabled.  You will find pockets of people that believe the disability is due to a spiritual deficit, and you will find families that are desperate for their loved ones to be accepted, embraced, and loved.  This is true in the United States as well.

Some battles have been won, but the war is not over.  We have a long way to go.  As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said,


"Lord, we ain't what we oughta be;
We ain't what we wanna be;
We ain't what we're gonna be;
But thank God we ain't what we was! "

I am so thankful for the good changes that have happened.  It has been 22 years since the "Americans With Disabilities Act" was passed.  Programs in schools have become more inclusive and are offering a better education to all of its students.  More churches are supporting those with disabilities.  Lets take a moment to give thanks for the improvements that have been made and then lets get busy!

50 Caregivers and the Lessons They Have Taught Me

This half of my 100th post is dedicated to 50 incredible caregivers and the things they have taught me.  They are truly amazing people created with dedicated compassion.

1.  Mom:  Give your loved one the desires of their heart.
2.  Carol:  Be willing to sacrifice to be there for your loved one.
3.  Katie: Keep your loved ones memory alive.
4.  Grandpa Gossom:  Remember and cherish the good times.
5.  Laurie:  Let your faith carry you and sustain you.
6.  Shirley: You can love with service.  You can love with sacrifice.  You can also love with laughter.
7.  Tameka:  Keep your emotions in tact, but love with every ounce of your being
8.  Bill:  When it comes to the hard decisions, do what you need to in order to protect your loved one and give them 
     the best life you can.
9.  Marilyn:  Bring out the best in your loved one
10.  Laura:  The road of caregiving is long, but the blessing is endless
11.  Debbie: When you need to be tough, be tough.  When you need to be compassionate, be compassionate, but
        always be positive.
12.  Wendy:  Be sure to take some special time out for the siblings of the child with special needs.
13.  Kim:  Help fulfill the dreams of your loved one and show them a great time.
14.  Carolanne:  Love with everything you have, but be willing to let your loved one have independence and trust 
       that God will take care of them.
15.  Uncle RC:  People have handicaps, but don't be the one that disables them.
16.  Ken:  Serve in whatever way you need to with humility and grace.
17.  Anne:  Keep searching until you find a way that reaches your loved one.
18.  Ken:  Let God use your circumstances to draw you closer to Him.
19.  Sarah:  Don't count the cost, just love.
20.  David and Beth:  Work together as a team and pull your spouse up when you need to.
21.  "A friend:"  Share the ups and the downs and laugh together when you discover that secret tattoo!
22.  Dad's nurse: "Don't avoid any emotion.  Walk right through the middle of it.  This will be the easier way"
23.  Christi:  Introduce your loved one to mentors that will empower them, not pity them.
24.  Heidi:  Keep looking for more and different ways to share the gospel with your loved one.
25.  David:  Take the time to look into their eyes.
26.  Amy:  Love them the way Christ loves you.
27.  Melanie:  When your best friend has suffered great loss, be there for them, encourage them and hold their heart for
        awhile.
28.  Gayle:  "Don't take things personally" and "Whatever you give, God will give you back so much more."
29.  Michelle:  "Don't feel guilty when you take some time for yourself.  You need to do it."
30.  Paul:  Keep life as normal as possible.
31.  Me:  Be honest with yourself.  When you need some time, take some.  When you are reenergized serve with all 
       you've got.
32.  Ethna:  Be your loved one's best friend and tell people their story.
33.  Barbara:  Be willing to do what you need to support your loved one.
34.  Jana:  Go the distance for your loved one.
35.  Julie:  Find your loved one's interests, talents, and gifts and then find a way for them to share them.
36.  Stacie:  Be ready to serve in ministry and help others as a result of your experience.
37.  Amy:  Be strong and do what you need to do.
38.  Ann:  Enjoy every moment while you can.
39.  Joe:  Be willing to let others serve and bless you as you walk the journey of caregiving.
40.  Me:  Always say, "I love you."  Do whatever is meaningful for your loved one.  Say good-bye when it is time.
41.  Don:  Honor your vows:  "To have and to hold, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health,
        till death do us part."
42.  Stephanie:  You always have something you can do for your loved one....PRAY!
43.  Vonda:  Do the extras to make your loved one feel special.
44.  Marti:  She travels four hours to give a massage to her friend with cancer....what a gift!
45.  Rebecca:  She used every opportunity to share about the goodness of God.
46.  Lisa:  She shared that you WILL make it through the hard stuff.
47.  Daniel:  He put his health on the life to save his brother.
48.  Anonymous:  Sometimes the whole family needs to love on the caregivers to keep them strong.
49.  Steffani:  She remembers the little things that mean a lot.  That makes them huge!
50.  Tim:  Celebrate remissions with a GREAT BIG PARTY!  

My 100th Post

I just realized this is my 100th post, so it needs to be pretty special!  Over the last year I have shared my heart with you in hopes that you will want to reach out to a powerful community of people that will truly touch your life.

I want to share the 100 people that have touched my life and the lessons they have graciously taught me.  Here are the first 50!

1.  Dad (dyslexia and cancer) taught me that you can still do what you need to; it just might have to
     be done in a different way
2.  Mom (cancer, diabetes, Gion Barre) taught me how to be a survivor
3.  Helen (deaf and blind) taught me that you can overcome any challenge
4.  Joni (quadriplegic) taught me how to use your greatest "weakness" for God's glory
5.  Grandma Gossom (cancer of larynx) taught me how to love even when others react with
      fear
6.   Brother Larry (dyslexia, cerebral palsy, renal cancer) taught me to keep the faith
     even during your toughest challenges
7.  Tim (epilepsy) taught me to focus on the well being of others rather than the challenges of your
      day
8.  Trisha (blessed with eternal youth) taught me how to hug with sincerity :)
9.  Julia taught me that joy can be a lot of purpose for a young lady
10.  Ralph (blind) taught me how powerfully he can pray
11.  Kim (CP, autism, epilepsy) taught me that a great poet and artist could be missed if no one takes
       the time to display the talent
12.  Hilary (blessed with eternal youth) taught me how to laugh and do whatever God asks
13.  Vika taught me that someone can be handicapped but I could be the one that disables them
14.  Katie (cerebral palsy) taught me to give people tools, not road blocks
15.  Abbi (autism)  taught me to greet everyone with a gentle touch
16.  Gracie (stroke victim) taught me that your dreams can come true
17.  Hellen (mental illness) taught me to share your talents whenever and wherever you can
18.  Brother-in-law Jim (Type I diabetes) taught me how to always smile at life
19.  Clay (traumatic brain injury) taught me to never give up
20.  Joshua (deaf and blind) taught me what worship truly is
21.  Brandon (Angelman's Syndrome) taught me to laugh, really laugh
22.  Colby, (Fragile X) taught me that there is a beautiful picture around every corner
23.  Basil (autism) taught me to slow down and enjoy the moments
24.  Morgan (autism) taught me that brilliance comes in many forms
25.  Jabe (spina bifida) taught me to share all the things you can do rather than focus on the things
       you can't
26.  Nick ("Life Without Limbs") taught me that "confidence in the Lord" is a powerful tool when
       we are willing to use it
27.  Tony (born without arms) taught me to tell your story in hopes that it can change someone's life
28.  Norma (MS) you don't have to be able to walk to walk in grace
29.  Megan (Down Syndrome) taught me that behind every amazing young lady is an amazing
       family
30.  Barbara (dementia) taught me what forgiveness and strength are
31.  Charlie (physical dysmorphic features) taught me that all children long for love, smiles, and to
       be sung to
32.  Jaime (deaf) taught me to keep pursuing your dreams even when the world is discouraging
33.  Rebecca (brain tumor) taught me to give it all to God and expect a miracle!
34.  Sam (deaf) taught me that children love to play no matter what their challenge is
35.  Corey (blessed with eternal youth) taught me that I would have to study the Bible a very long  
       time to know it as well as she does
36.  "Michael" (schizophrenic) showed me what a beautiful person he is  
37.  Bryce (autism) taught me to be willing to enter his world first and then he would come into
       mine
38.  Nathan (autism, cerebral palsy) taught me that sometimes you have to listen with your heart
       and not just your ears
39.  Joan (wheelchair bound) taught me to greet everyone with a smile
40.  Joanne (wheelchair bound) taught me that you can always serve, no matter how many
       physical challenges you have
41.  Russell (autism) taught me to laugh and have a great time :)
42. David (Parkinson's) taught me to let God use whatever challenge you have for His glory
43.  Frances (stroke) taught me to work hard and do whatever it takes to recover
44.  Great-Grandpa Moser (old age of 106) taught me to work hard as long as you can
45.  Cameron (cerebral palsy) taught me how to improve my communication skills so I
       wouldn't miss anything
46.  Beverly (quadriplegic) taught me to always look for God's perspective
47.  Riley (autism)  there are not enough words to express what he has taught me.  ENJOY LIFE!
48.  Jimmie (Down Syndrome)  I never met him, but I can see the wonderful impact he made on    
       world by having met his sister
49.  Emma taught me how important it is for everyone to serve and use the gifts God has given            
       them, otherwise, we miss out on way too much
50.  Kim (breast cancer survivor) taught me how to be honest about the journey, how to rely on
       God, and to make the road easier for someone else by sharing your story

Variety, The Children's Charity of Texas

Last week I had the great pleasure of meeting with Sara Record, Executive Assistant to the President/CEO Randall Hester, of "Variety, The Children's Charity of Texas."  It was a delight and encouragement to listen to Sara's heart for children with special needs and the wonderful vision behind this non-profit organization.

As stated on their website, "Variety has been committed to empowering children with special needs throughout Texas since 1936."  It also states,  "We believe that every child with special needs deserves the chance to reach their potential regardless of their physical or social limitations.  We don't want you to feel sorry for the kiddos with special circumstances, we want you to help us empower them."

Not only can you see the commitment to empower children with special needs in Sara's face, but you can see it in the programs that Variety offers.  They offer a variety of ways to empower children including special equipment such as wheelchairs, swings, adaptive bicycles and tricycles for children with special needs.  They also provide holiday parties, tickets to baseball games, and holiday screenings to upcoming movies.  In addition, they have recently merged with "Peaceable Kingdom Retreat" to offer camp for children from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances.  The camp offers a complete movie theatre and is building an equestrian center.

I encourage you to visit their website to learn more about their history, vision, and programs.  There are a variety of ways to become involved.  If you have a child with special needs, I encourage you to look at the website's application for available services.  Their website is www.varietytexas.org for more information.

"Life: That's Amazing!"

Here is another poem from Hope Through Heartsongs, by Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Life:  That's Amazing!

When it is nighttime,
I get my nebulizer and All my medicines,
I got to the bathroom and brush my teeth,
I put on my pajamas and heart monitor,
And untangle my oxygen-mustache
So I get my special breathing wind.
When I am in my bed,
My mommy will read me a book,
And say my prayers with me.
She will kiss me and hug me and tuck me in,
And then turn on my Mommy-Songs tape.
When I close my eyes,
I go to sleep and dream and dream,
Or I go to sleep and do not dream.
When it is morning,
I wake up.
I am alive, and
I am breathing, and
I am a real boy.
That's amazing!

October 1993

"Life Is Like..."

One of my favorite gifts we have given volunteers is a book of poetry, Hope Through Heartsongs, by Matthew J.T. Stepanek, best known as "Mattie."  Mattie went to heaven in 2004.  He wrote this poem when he was just ten years old.

Life is like a story book...
Although we aren't
Able to talk with
Dragons and fly far into space,
Each day is like
A new chapter,
With new lessons
For our lives.
Life is like a dream...
Although we don't
Know what kind of
Reverie we will have,
Each day is like
A new thought,
With new hopes
For our lives.
Life is like a great waiting...
Although we can't
Realize when or how,
Each day is like
A new chance,
With new opportunities
For our lives.
As we travel and learn
And think and hope
And chance opportunities
In each day of our lives,
We must understand
That anytime
Could be the Time
That we face the fact of Heaven,
And never have to fear again,
So each day,
We should live out
The great dream and story
That our lives are waiting to be...
For we know
And we are able
And we realize that
Life is like
Whatever we create it to be.

August 2000


"Mattie's struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy has not diminished his ability to see light and hope in each individual and in the world."