A wonderful gift.

[Thomas]

This touched me so deeply that I just had to share it with my brothers and sisters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_W_zl61bI

[Lazarus Short]

Most of us have more talent, but too little heart.  We have a great-grandson with autism, and he has a big heart, too. :HeartThrob:

[Dandelion]

I have worked with children with various disabilities, including autism, for almost 48 years, beginning at age 14.
I reallze that we all have hurdles in life to overcome. I have many of my own, as well. God blesses us in ways we would never have chosen, but, if we see it through His eyes, and not the world's, we will see it very differently. Whatever teaches us compassion, perseverance, patience, hope, faith, trust, and above all Love, is a blessing. The world tells us that different is bad; that people with disabilities are unhappy, unwanted, and a burden on the rest of us....but I have seen families and my students who have gained tremendous strength, resilience, peace, and understanding. I believe they have given more than they took, for the most part. But the gifts are not wrapped the way most of us expect, so they are often overlooked and scorned.

I know I have been blessed thousands of times over by my student's, their families, and the difficulties my own family has faced. As excruciatingly difficult as many of the issues have been, I would not give them up, for all the tea in China. It has made me who I am, and I am very, very blessed. I have learned so many wonderful things in my years as a Special Education teacher, mother, and person who struggles with some of my own labels. But, only because of God's grace and peace.

Keep singing, sweet child of God.

D.