David, fifteen years ago we held you in our arms and cried. You weren’t what we expected and we were grieving. I didn’t expect to have a baby with a syndrome, heart defect and only two fingers on his left hand.
I cried tears for me, what would my life look like now that I had a child with special needs?
I cried tears for you. What would your life look like as you navigate living with special needs?
From the moment I saw your sweet face I loved you. I was your mama and I would do whatever I could to protect and nurture you. But I worried about how other people would treat you. I wished you could run and play and be silly like other children.
I feel silly saying this now, but I wished I could change you.
I felt pity for you, I felt pity for me.
I didn’t know it then, but sweet David, you were born to do big things.
You are a world changer!
My pity has turned to pride.
My worries have subsided as I see you soak up life and give love to those around you.
Everyday you teach us how to live with well.
You have helped us stretch and grow our hearts to make room for more joy.
You have shown us what it looks like to love with your whole heart.
Now my wish is for you to be YOU.
You are truly extraordinary.
You are one of a kind.
You have an incredible spark!
You are a light.
You inspire me.
Today, for your fifteenth birthday, I wrote down bits of wisdom you have taught me.
What follows is how you live, how you love.
Happy birthday, my love! I’m so incredibly thankful you’re my son.
***
Wisdom From David
Come over
Settle in
Sit down
Snuggle up
Let yourself relax
Let yourself enjoy
Let yourself let go
Let yourself be loved
Make friends
Make music
Make messes
Make memories
With open hearts
With honesty
With happiness
With your hand in mine
Let’s dream
Let’s explore
Let’s learn
Let’s be brave
Today holds newness
Today holds adventure
Today holds beauty
Today hold hope
We are us
We are you and me
We are each other
We are family
Slow down
Breathe deeply
Be quiet
Let your heart speak
Listen closely
Feel your feelings
Think outside the box
See with new eyes
Forgive
Forget
Let your heart
Be free
All is right
All is known
All is safe
All is well
No shame
No fear
No hiding
No worry
You are precious
You are seen
You are loved
You are where you are meant to be
Be grateful
Be curious
Be gentle
Be you
One of a kind
Three words (I love you)
Forever, for always
Hi Lisa!
I love your Blog! I was perusing the internet to get ideas for formatting my own Blog and came across yours. I’m one of those “special needs” children all grown up. I too have two fingers on my left hand (three partial fingers) and a heart defect, as well as deformities of my legs, spine, hips, pelvis and other internal organs, resulting in the amputation of both of my legs. I’m an actress and co-founded a theatre group for performers with disabilities here in Denver about 25 years ago. But as I’ve gotten older, I developed pain that isn’t allowing me to act any longer. So now I use that creative energy to make jewelry! As I mentioned, I was looking at your site to get ideas for my Blog. Would you mind looking at my Blog and give me some feedback on where I can go from here. I really like what you’ve done with yours. And I want to follow suit, if you don’t mind me copying you – LOL?! I’ve changed my front page to focus more on me. I have an Etsy Shop that is separate but linked to my Blog. I’m not comfortable doing Woocommerce just yet because I’m not very computer savvy and do not want my credit card info out there. I feel safer with it on Etsy. Maybe it’s the other way around, but that show’s you how illiterate I am about computers. My site is at http://www.SongSense.org. Any others that see this comment can feel free to give me feedback as well. I’m all ears! Thank you Lisa for your time.
hi, I found your writing inspiring and had saved it yesterday. Then I reread it now, jumped onto your blog and realized I had bought a piece of your jewelry back in September, not realizing it was yours. Life isn’t coincidences, it’s the universe putting those we need in our paths and somehow connected! Thank you for sharing your life’s journey with us all. Many happy blessings for you and your family and a happy birthday to your son.
http://audreykfriel.blogspot.com/2017/08/my-life-of-emotional-treading.html
Would have been my daughter’s 15th birthday. I’m happy you are Glad for every day, even when you are not. You are allowed to wonder what if…
With warm regards.
Powerful, beautiful and humbling.
happy birthday!!!! 🙂 🙂
Happy birthday David! Thank you for sharing your life with us. Your family is an inspiration to so many.
Happy Birthday David!! What a blessing ! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank you for sharing your sweet words of wisdom! You are Blessed and have a Beautiful family!
Lisa thank you for sharing your beautiful story. Your wonderful son is an inspiration along with you and your family. Thank you for creating such beautiful jewelry that is so close to our heart❤️, Special Needs Kids bring so much joy to our ❤️ In such a special way. I have 2 as Chase died after 18 days. Kai our Miracle will be 4 In September. Each day we live our lives to the fullest cause that what God gave us to do with Kai.
Thank you for sharing. It warmed my heart. I’m the grandma of a 3 special need children.
God bless you n your family!
Happy birthday David!
Beautiful, just beautiful!
Truly beautiful sentiments only a mother could write. Thank you for sharing your kind words, wisdom, and love of your child with us. We are all truly blessed by our families. Happy Birthday to your amazing son, David.
Happy birthday david?. After reading your moms post my heart was warm and I could feel the joy that would be part of your celebration. I was a special education teacher for 40 years and people would say the students were fortunate that I was their teacher as my passion was so strong for my career. I would respond that I was the fortunate one. What I learned from my students, the progress I saw, what my students helped me understand and the joy they brought to my life can’t be measured . My life is blessed because of them and their families. Thank you for your posts!
Such a beautiful story of love…unconditional love. You chose to see the glass not half full, but totally full! Happy Birthday, David! The world is a better place with you in it!!!
You are such an inspiration to all of us with your writing. Thank you for touching us and making us all stop and listen and aspire to do better. Your family has touched so many. Thank you for being you. Happy Birthday, Sweet David!
Happy Birthday David. Both of us share the 4th of July birthday! Love your story!?
Happy Birthday! Many blessings to you and your family
Your words are truly inspirational. God bless you all ❤️
I am in love with your family. What an inspiration David is! ?❣️?? Happy Birthday David – continue to shine your light.
Happy Birthday to you Lisa and to David! I love the joy of your story!!
Happy Birthday David! Lisa your beautiful jewelry has been a source of encouragement.. I lost my Precious 29 year old son on January 9th, 2017. They ruled it Sudden Cardiac Death, possibly brought on by “energy drinks” Each day is a different day, and some days are easier than others. Thank you for your positive attitude. I hope and pray that I get my joy back. I truly do know my son Steven is safe in the Arms of Jesus and in a better place.
Dear Nicole,
I don’t know you, but as a mom I just want to stretch my arms around you and hug you tightly. I’m so sorry about what happened to your son Steven and fortunately for me I don’t know that pain, but I can imagine what heartache you’ve known since that fateful day in January. No doubt you’ll be in my thoughts and included in my daily prayers that through God’s loving grace your pain can be lifted.
Lisa, you and David have touched my heart more than words can describe. Cheers to a life well lived for you both. Thanks for sharing your poignant story of love and hope and joy.
David, you beautiful creation of God! Happy Birthday from all the children, parents, teachers, therapists and staff at The Little Light House.???. Jeremiah 29:11
Happy Birthday David!
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Lisa, What a beautiful journey you and your family share! Enjoy each moment as it comes. Face the challenges with strength and love. Thank you for sharing. ?
Beautiful.You put into words what many people feel when they go into parenthood not knowing what or who are child will become.
? Thanks David for letting us share in your birthday story … HaPpY BiRtHdAy to you sweet boy … You are loved ?
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of love and courage. You are an amazing beacon to parents coping with unimaginable heartache and turning it into a positive way to cope on your life’s journey. God bless David and your whole family.
Happy birthday David!
Such Grace is so Beautiful and so Humbling.
Happy Birhday to a wonderful young man who is such an inspiration to his beautiful Mother and Family who choose to share the Real Things That Matter with the world!
I can truly say, the story I have just read touched my heart. Happy Birthday n everyday you are a celebration n a true gift from God. He found you special parents who now know what it means to truly love. Not many people will ever know the feeling. I have given my own son to the people. He is a priest of two yrs n it hard to let go . But to do God work you need to fly, so fly my new friend, n God be with you n yours in prayer. Your new friend E
Happy Birthday David! Reading your mom’s story is very touching and inspirational. You sound like a very special young man and a blessing to all who know you. Enjoy your day!??
What an inspirational story and how loving your family sounds. May God continue to bless your lives.
Happy Birthday, David.
Jo
Your words are beautiful, and so human …I’m sure the love he receives is amazing! It shows all over his face! He looks so happy! Happy Birthday to your baby! ❣️
Hard to believe my tiny SS friend is now 15 yrs. old!! You were a light in my life each time we spent time at church and I wish you a Happy Birthday and many more to come. Have a blessed year and keep bringing joy. Love you, Linda
God makes not mistakes — with tears in my eyes and joy in my heart I thank you for blessing me with David’s birthday tribute. God bless. xxxooo Arnette
Well said Lisa!! Just beautiful. Happy 15th Birthday David.???
I absolutely love your words of wisdom David. I hope you have a happy birthday & many wonderful years ahead. May God bless you & keep you in the palm of his hand.
Happy Birthday David!
My son Gabe was born on July 4th too.
Diagnosed with a mental illness a few years ago he is no longer the same and I grieved the life that could have been.
We are still learning everyday about this disease and how support his needs.
Lisa, you’ve moved me to write down what he’s taught as well and I’m grateful for your honesty. Thank you!
Children are a gift from God and no matter what their physical or mental condition is, they inspire us to better as we nurture and love them daily.
Thank you for sharing Lisa and Happy Birthday David! You are a blessing from the Lord.
Happy Birthday to David. Beautiful boy……..
Water works over here!!! Happy Birthday David! May you continue to shine always! Reading theses beautiful words made my day, thank you for sharing!
Happy Birthday David! You are a very lucky young man.
Lisa, I’m so happy a friend shared your site on Facebook. I recently bought my daughter one of your necklaces wth her children and husbands names, she loved it.
I work for a non-profit based in San Antonio, TX. Project Angel Fares. We bring families who have a child with special needs to San Antonio, all expenses paid so that the family can experience Morgan’s Wonderland. We recognize that many families who deal with the special needs are single or no income, the family never gets to travel together other than to a medical appointment. We strive to provide these special friends with special dreams, a trip of a lifetime.
If you would be interested, I would love to find a way that we might support each other’s passions.
Thank you, all the best to your family on this July 4th.
Thank you! Happy birthday to your boy ❤
Last year in the month of July, at the age of 46, I collapsed in the emergency room. I had pneumonia. A special pneumonia. I had Aids. I did not know. I thought i had been tested many times, including less than a year prior when i had an infected gland. It turns out that since I lived a low risk life, others decided I did not need to be tested. EVEN though I approved the test. To make a long story short (and believe me it seems like a lifetime of its own), I was almost dead but I am alive today, and my recovery has been called amazing. I had been walking around with this disease for 12 to 20 years, they say.
I wanted to say thank you for sharing your story, thank you for it made me comfortable enough to write my story for the first time.
Thank you for giving me light in a world that has been very dark recently.
And thank you David for being a wonderful being. Happy Birthday, keep spreading your light and wisdom!
Much Love,
DK
I am so sorry for what you have endured and I am praying for you. Things may seem dark but you are stronger than you realize. You just shared your story and I am touched. We all endure things and God does not want us to give up. He wants us to fight and you are doing just that. You are inspiring others with your story. God bless you!
These were such beautiful words Lisa. So inspiring. Have a wonderful birthday David!
That was beautiful! Wishing David a Happy birthday
What an inspiration your family is to us all! Beautifully written!! Happy Birthday, David! ??
Wow what a incredible journey. Happy birthday sweet David. May you keep inspiring those who come into your life. Love you Chris Trestrail
❤️
Happy 15th birthday David, you look like a wonderful, sweet son to have. I hope your special day is great???
Rising above one’s challenges in your own way…. a force for what’s good in the world. Happy Birthday David!!!
Love all of your work. I think David is your inspiration. You go young man
Happy Birthday David. Your story inspires me so much. I cried reading it. How I would love to have my son at any capacity, but Melanoma had a different idea July 4, 2011 at the young age of 20. RIP my Angel.
Happy Birthday to a precious young man…you do inspire us in many ways….to see the best in all people….to accept anything you have to and to do it with an open and loving heart!! You are a blessing to your family, that is so obvious…?
Happy Special Day David! I have a grandson, David as well who will soon be 9 yrs old, has Down Syndrome, and has a twin brother, Matthew who helps him in so many ways. My daughter and son-in-law have such great love and faith Some days are fifficult, but God reminds us that WE CAN DO IT! Thank you for sharing your personal life and for letting us know WE ARE NOT ALONE
Happy Birthday David – you are a beautiful person
Lisa…
My daughter Lydia was born with 22q and 8p23 Deletion. She had open heart surgery at 2 months old, laryngeal malacia, and an glottal Web. I’ve stayed up endless nights to see if she’s breathing. Worried myself sick doesn’t even cut it. I’ve cried in the car by myself countless times. Not because she deserves pity,but because she didn’t deserve the start she had in life. Her pulmonary hypertension has gone, but the Web remains until she tells us she needs surgery. With any child you never know how long you have, but you think it’s forever. We take each day as it comes and she continues to amaze and give the man the middle finger. I couldn’t be more proud of her. When you are told that they don’t know if your child will speak…and her first word, not knowing how many more you’ll get, is momma..I cried because there was nothing more beautiful than that sound. Sure I get tired, irritated,and overwhelmed just like i do with my other 2 children. But it’s that hug,look in her eyes, and momma out of that sweet mouth that get me thru the rest. She is and always will be the greatest gift and lesson for our family on what love truly is,should be, and could be.
Happy Birthday David! The world is a better place because of you. May God continue to bless you and yours! Hugs sweet teen!!
That was beautiful. Although I hate it when my wife shares things that makes me cry. Happy Birthday David!
Happy birthday beautiful soul! How I love seeing pictures of you with your family. You make my heart so happy when I see the love in your eyes and the love in the eyes of your family for you. I’m so thankful that you gives us all a view into your lives. Have a wonderful day ! ❤??
So Beautiful Lisa!!! Happy 15th Birthday to a very special boy! Thanks for sharing…
Happy Birthday David! I wish your whole family a wonderful day❤️.
I’m always so moved by your honest, vulnerable writing and your deep love for David. He looks so happy in all of your pictures. Wishing him a happy birthday.❤️
Happy 15th Birthday David! You live in the moment and encourage us to do the same. You aren’t running around, worried for the future. You take time to enjoy music, take in a good walk, smile and snuggle. Happy happy birthday!
Just beautiful Lisa! Happy 15th Birthday David ?
Your stories touch my heart so deeply. Thank you for sharing your private, personal and heartfelt thoughts, emotions, experiences and dreams! Happy Happy 15th Birthday David.