Caleb, George the horse and Dad
Overcoming Obstacles
We all know children are a blessing from God and as a grandparent of two grandsons, I now understand that even more. Parents often have visions and dreams for the future when their child is born, but sometimes those dreams change when given the news a child has a disability.
That happened to a friend of mine seven years ago when she and her husband were given the news their son had Down Syndrome. Although their dreams and expectations changed, the fact they wanted to provide every opportunity for their son to succeed didn’t change. One way they have accomplished that over the last seven years has been through the love of horses.
Woody and Tim love to barrel race and so it was only natural their son, Caleb, would develop that same kind of love. Competing in the Pee Wee Barrel division for children 10 and under, Caleb rides his horse, George, named after his favorite television character, Curious George. Riding George in competitions has not only taught Caleb about sportsmanship, but also about life and what it means to care for others.
Realizing this journey involves the whole family, I asked Woody what lessons she has learned in the process. Without hesitation, she said, “Although I was compassionate before, I never saw a special needs child through the eyes of a parent, from a parent’s point of view. You might say I was arrogant.”
“Our family has always been in the group of achievers, including the smartest, the fastest and the most athletic. That changed with the diagnosis. Although I hate to admit it, at the time I didn’t want to be in the new group. But, you know what? Since then I learned there’s more to life than being the best at everything. Our son taught us there’s joy in simple everyday moments and that it’s important to treasure each and every one of them.”
With news of a break through discovery in the scientific community, Woody and Tim have reason to hope and be encouraged. Recently, a discovery was made in the lab of a way to turn off the “third copy” of the 21st chromosome. Woody, hopeful for the day that will happen in the real world says, “In the meantime, we are trusting God, knowing we are blessed with a beautiful, happy little boy who enjoys riding horses, singing, playing, swimming and just hanging out with friends and family who love him.”
To read more of this family’s inspiring journey, check out the following link: http://www.salisburypost.com/article/20130907/SP01/130909773/0/SEARCH&slId=1
If you know of a family with an inspiring story, leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
