a rare genetic condition that took us 21 years to find the correct diagnosis - 17Q 21.34 Microdeletion syndrome with FG syndrome. This means he is missing 2 genes. A large portion of the brain, the corpus callosum, never formed before birth.
If you could meet him you would think he is more like a 4 year old boy, who eats like a 2 year old, who laughs at burps like a typical teenage boy, who shuffles along like an 80 year old blind man, and who sings like a angel from heaven.
Every system of his body is affected by this. He sleeps very little and repeats the same questions hundreds of times every day. He suffers greatly from anxiety, and stutters terribly. He has a moderate level of mental retardation. He has the most forgiving heart and has never in his life done anything to hurt anyone else's feelings.
There is not one skill of daily living that Ben can take care of by himself, yet he understands more about life than most people ever will. He learned to talk by using phrases of songs to express his thoughts and feelings. He loves Kermit the frog, Elmo, the Beatles, Raffi, Shrek, and Mary Poppins. The theme song of his life has been, It's a Small World. He loves to perform for large audiences of people. If you could hear him sing "Amazing Grace" it would bring tears to your eyes. He is quite a mixture of unbelievable gifts and challenges.
Ben fell on our wood floor last May and broke three vertebrae in his back, and this year has been really rough for him. This year is the first we have seen more regression than progression.
As we were putting the candles on his birthday cake, I kept thinking with the placement of each candle how challenging that year of his life has been. He has had so many surgeries I can no longer count them. When our friends spent their vacations on fun trips, we spent ours traveling to see specialists or having surgeries in far away cities, or going to therapy camps. I can't tell you how many hospitals we can navigate through, and how many stacks of forms I've filled out, and how many hours of therapies we have done. Our fun vacations have been wish trips. We have met some incredible people through the years, and now, if feels like someone is missing when we meet a family that doesn't have a child with special needs.
I retired early from teaching to stay home to take care of him, after school services were completed. I am so very thankful I was able to do this. Taking care of him is a challenge, so getting uninterrupted time to sew is almost impossible.Yet having Ben has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
I have an incredible husband, two grown children and five grandchildren; and I have Ben. Today Ben turned 23 and my life is incredibly blessed.
When I retired I bought a new to me/used sewing and embroidery machine to have something to do in my spare time - LOL. Cuties has been a wonderful place to come, not just for the designs, and sewing and embroidery advice, but most of all for the true compassion and support for each other, from other people who also happen to love sewing and embroidery. I just wanted to share that with you all because it is such a huge part of who I am, and to Thank you for helping me through some difficult days and sleepless nights.
Jan aka hightechgrammy aka grammycats
59631
WOW! May the Lord continue to richly bless and reward you, your son Ben and your family! And a belated Happy Birthday to your son from me.
A favorite of mine, is PSALM 121, may it be a blessing to you too:
1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber .
4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep .
5 The LORD is thy keeper : the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (King James Version)
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
07 Mar 2011
Thanks, Ro,
I need to read these verses every day. Living in the mountains, the hills, makes them especially meaningful. We can see one particularly pretty mountain out our dining room window. We couldn't see it though, until our forest was devastated with the pine beetle killing most of our lodgepole pines. It took DH three summers to nothing but cutting down trees. Now we have a beautiful view. God does work in strange ways, doesn't He! Ben is doing better these days, Thanks
19452You know some people may think its alot of work, but they do not understand how much we have been given in returned...My son has adhd...He was diagnosed as one of the top 4 in 14 years that has come through the doors....Working with him was really hard and such a trial....Although there were tempers and outbursts, constant issues one after another, babysitters calling us back within 5 minutes of dropping him telling us to get this Demon from H***...I wouldn't have changed it for anything...I am stronger for it, can handle almost all manners of people....Know how to deal with these foster kids better....A mother love knows no faults and a childs love is the most endearing thing ever...You are a truly blessed woman...Happy Birthday to your Ben.....loves deanna
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
24 Feb 2011
Dear deanna,
I admire the moms of kids with adhd soooo much. You are the mothers who have the hardest challenges. I get lots and lots of support and understanding. But, with ADHD, people often just don't understand. They think it is just a matter of discipline! Which we know you can't discipline adhd out of a child. Parents get criticism instead of support. I have 3 grandsons with adhd. It is sooo hard. God bless you! Hang in there, Lady. It does get better - some day :-) The rewards are great!
34246Happy 23rd Birthday Ben ... you are a wonderful person with an incredible Mom... I will keep you both in my prayers.
Hugs
Linda
1 comment
57491
20475Please wish Ben a Happy Birthday and may God watch over you each and everyday.
1 comment
4271Jan what a beautiful post you've made about Ben. I have a niece that always said she never wanted to have children. Well god had other plans for her and she had a beautiful baby boy. Owen is now in his early 20's and the size of a 6 or 7 year old. He was born with Brittle Bones, I can't spell the correct name for it. He was born with both legs broken and an arm. He was about a month old before a Dr. at ER finally discovered why he cried so much. Many surgeries and pins in legs and arms he is a wonderful young man and has a special van he drives. He had a good job but after a year or so got laid off and now looking for another. Graduated from college and extremely smart, just has a tiny crooked body. When he was small and first diagnosed his mother said to me "God must have known I needed a special needs child" I cried when she said that. His parents have handled it so well and he had to learn to adapt to the world, which he has done beautifully. He never feels sorry for himself. He's spent months in body casts and never complained. I know for sure all our lives have been blessed by him as yours has by Ben. Hope he had a wonderful Birthday. God Bless.
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
23 Feb 2011
Wow! I'll bet you Owen has made a huge difference in many people's lives. Thank you so much for sharing with me and the others who read this, about Owen. We learn so very much from observing the walks of others. Thank you
4077Thank you for sharing Ben's story with us...please wish him a Happy Birthday and tell him that he is such a special child of GOD....may GOD bless you and your family and keep him safe and with such a loving family.
1 comment
21593
11259Hi Jan, I hope Ben had a terrific birthday, I have an 18 month baby girl Georgia who is profoundly deaf, blind, tumor in bone in her left leg and a hole in her heart, but she brings me as much joy as you Ben does for you. Sewing and chatting on cute has taken a back step for now but I hope 1 day to be able get back into it. Thanks for wonderful story you brought tears of joy to my eyes and I hope to have as many wonderful years with my angel as you have with yours,
Tracey in Aus
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
24 Feb 2011
Tracey, My heart just wants to reach out and give you an understanding hug. Enjoy her and give her all the love you can every single day and you will always cherish these days. There will be plenty of time for sewing later on. May God bless you and your angel Georgia. Can you believe how much you love her?!? Please give her a kiss under her chin for me and make her laugh. Love and hugs, Jan
6816Jan our grandson David is as Benjamin so we know how you feel David will be 20 this year so he has realy reached a great milestone and yes we feel we are blessed to have and feel his love as you will be aware even through hard times and as you say dificult days cherrish every moment its prescious and please write your book it will give you comfort in future years God Bless Hugs Shazells
Happy Birthday Ben XOXO
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
24 Feb 2011
Shazells, Thank you so very much for your understanding. I am so pleased you are able to accept David's special challenges and love him even more. Ben's grandparents just "don't get it." They don't see the beauty in him, and they are the ones who have missed out on the gifts God gave Ben. I wish they could feel the joy. I really could have used their encouragement and unconditional love. David is so blessed to have you as his grandmother! Thank you for your well wishes!
4891Jan, I hope your son had a great birthday and I wish you many more happy days together. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
70914A big Happy Birthday from Australia for Ben. This post was written with so much love. You are both very fortunate to have each other. Enjoy the day. Love Marg
1 comment
24826God Bless you, your family and Ben! Ben is certainly blessed to have you for a mother. Happy Birthday Ben!!!
1 comment
29871Such a heart warming story Jan! You are both so incredibly inspirational I would love to meet you. A truely touching, loving and heartfelt description of your beautiful son! Thank you for sharing your story!
A Happy, Happy Birthday wish to Ben! ~ San
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
24 Feb 2011
Thank you so much for your warm comments. I do have a great guy for a friend and companion. He's worth all the havoc he creates. This morning he lost an iPod so he took all the couches apart and there were open drawers and doors all over the house. The ipod was on the dining room table! Oh Well.
10393Happy Birthday Ben and may you be blessed with many more years with your wonderful Mum.
Hugs and roses, Meganne
122864Thank you for sharing your story. It has touched my heart and I wish the very best for you and Ben.
22595Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful testimony with us. It really touched me. I am sharing it with some friends and family. I hope you don't mind.
You have no idea how much this beautiful testimony has encouraged me. Tell Ben, I hope that he had a wonderful birthday, and I hope that this is a better year for him. There's something about people with special needs... they are just sooooo wonderfully special.
12821Oh My! I am just overwhelmed at all your loving and supportive comments. But, really I'm just not THAT amazing. I am just an ordinary person who has been given a very extraordinary job. Truly, I'm just the regular person next door who has all kinds of my own faults - I'm not a perfect person sitting on a pedestal. God has provided us with lots of incredible people to help us. He has provided for Ben's every need, often before we even knew he was going to have that need! I have cried my tears and made a real pest of myself to doctors and teachers and the whole special education department in our school district. I have had to adjust my life, to slow down and to truly trust the Lord. I've had to learn what is truly important in life, and Ben has been my teacher. You have all been so kind, but I"m just not THAT amazing. Any one of you, given a gift and a challenge like we have been given would do exactly the same thing. I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. Each of you possess a God-given strength inside that you experience throughout your lives in a variety of different times. I bet you've felt it already. Think about the times when you have had to really work extra hard to achieve a goal, or to survive a catastrophe, a natural disaster, a divorce, a death of a loved one, financial disaster, a friend in crisis when you have been the one who has risen to be the only one who really could help. There are lots of challenges you have survived that are much harder than raising a child with special needs. Losing a child would be much harder, I think. Women are strong. We help each other. We pray for each other. God gives us the strength to get back up and keep on trying, even when we think we can't do it again. Every day He gives us new strength. Thank you so very much for all your comments. I showed Ben all the little animated gifs and jpgs and he loved them! I guess I should write a book - I've already got a good start - right here!
59631Happy Birthday to Ben. What an incredible story of love.
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Ben will LOVE this Elmo when I show it to him! Thank you - where did you find him?????
463427Happy Birthday, Ben !!! Seems to be lots of love going around in this family.
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
The Cuties are really like a huge, loving Family, aren' they!
How are you doing after your surgery??
9243943Oh Jan, we have a Benjamin, and he too is such a softy in heart matters. So, Happy Birthday Benjamin. I agree with someone else who suggested you write a book. I can easily see your family from your descriptions. Thank you for sharing Benjamin and the journey for each of you.
2 comments
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
I've really considered writing a book, but I can't figure out where to start, or what the focus should be. Any ideas?
by katrinasheffield
22 Feb 2011
Start in the middle. Don't have a plan. Just get it all on paper. The book will write itself eventually. My husband spent the 1st year of our marriage away from home in a year-long Christian Recovery program. At the closest point he was 4 hours away and the furthest - 12 I think maybe 14. We drove at least once a month to see him and we never had less than our share of trouble with the devil. People keep telling me to write a book and that's what I'm doing. I didn't know where to start either. Do I start with his addiction, with our marriage, with traveling, with the end and go forward? So, I'm putting it on paper as it comes out of my head and praying over it. I figure God will make sense out of it.
3435Happy Mothers Day Jan. I realize he's the youngest - but its still time to celebrate mother's day today :) We had a birthday this week too and I got to celebrate mothers day as well - but I believe yours sings much better than mine. I wish I had the opportunity to hear Ben sing. I love Amazing Grace. Your description of Ben is so perfect - you should sit down and write a book... And by the way....I just have a 13 year old and and a husband, 4 cats and 2 dogs and I don't have uninterrupted time to sew either. My favorite time to sew is early in the morning when everyone else is still asleep and the birdies are beginning to chirp. I like to open the windows with a cup of hot tea and listen... problem is the machine usually wakes everyone up! We will keep your family in our prayers - and a very happy birthday to Ben - and happy mothers day to you! God Bless!!
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
It is a day to celebrate being a mother, isn't it! We have 3 cats and 2 African Grey parrots, so our singing birds are talking birds! We also feed the wild birds. We get Evening Grosbeaks in the morning and our cats love to watch them. Thanks for reminding me that all moms have a hard time finding time to sew!
1784Happy Birthday Ben. Jan you are truly a blest and blessed person. May there be much more joy to follow.
Hugs Elizabeth
1 comment
6339
2308Yes, you brought tears to my eyes. What an incredible person you are for only looking at the special joy he has brought to you and your family. Tell him Happy 23 B-day from me.
2 comments
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Thanks Somedays, it's harder to see the joy than others. The hardest part is the anxiety. He worries about everything. But then other days he can start laughing over a squeaky door, or a little dog barking in the car next to us. If I can just remember to laugh with him, it's all a lot easier. I did tell him!
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Thanks Somedays, it's harder to see the joy than others. The hardest part is the anxiety. He worries about everything. But then other days he can start laughing over a squeaky door, or a little dog barking in the car next to us. If I can just remember to laugh with him, it's all a lot easier. I did tell him!
5046Yes, you brought tears to my eyes. What an incredible person you are for only looking at the special joy he has brought to you and your family. Tell him Happy 23 B-day from me.
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
He has loved saying "I am tweny-free years old now" to everyone he sees and everyone who calls. He was five for three years in a row! Thanks
5046You know, never before has FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND had more meaning. My grandmother said that for every good thing you do on earth you earn a new gem for your heavenly crown. Jan, you will undoubtedly have one of the biggest crowns of all. God has given you such blesssings and strength! Your life and Ben's life are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!! EAT SOME CAKE FOR ME TOO!!!! and ice cream!mmmmmmm!
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
He'd be very happy to eat some extra cake. We got chocolate with Toy Story decorations! He'll always be a little boy :-) He still truly believes in Santa too :-) Thanks
1795A very special Happy Birthday to Ben. Thankyou for your for sharing. I could read the love you both have for Ben, He truely is a special little man. . Cyber hugs to you all :)
1 comment
42046Ben has been blessed with your love for him and even though he has so many issues, it sounds like God is carrying you all through each minute, day and year of his life. I'm so happy for you that you can sew and get a little time for yourself. God bless you all. Hugs, Judy
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Thank you, Judy. It is really amazing to see all the ways God has provided for Ben's needs.
10530Grammym God has a reason for everything & evidently Ben is a gift & blessing to many to numerous to count I'm sure. Being a nurse I know there have been as many tears as smiles but God has blessed you beyond measure because everywhere you went someone's life & heart was touched by the 2 of you. Not many of us can say that. God Bless/Lillian
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
In our little community where we live, EVERYone knows Ben, He truly is here for a very special purpose. Thanks, Lillian
145791Thank you for sharing this wonderful bio of Ben and your family. I pray that God will continue to bless you all. Give Ben a big Hug and wish him a Happy Birthday from one of you Cute friends.
Hugs, Karen
1 comment
20661I could feel your love for Ben shining through as i was reading your story..A mothers love is endless, and unconditional,as we all know...You are such an aspiration to us.. Happy Birthday Ben,hugs to you all.
1 comment
9483Thank you so much for sharing your lovely Ben with us. It makes a person think so hard. Here we are groaning and moaning about ordinary little things, and you are such a wonderfull person looking after Ben and everyone else, with so much compasion.
I wish I could meet you and Ben in person. God is looking after you all. He will never give us too much to bear, and in giving Ben to you, and you to Ben He knew that you could cope.
All my love to you and Ben, warm hugs and Gods blessings.
Marietta
1 comment
15907Isn't God awesome....He gives special children to special parent....your story is so inspiration and I thank you for sharing.....Gods blessing to Ben and his wonderful family.
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
You know that song, "Our God is an Awesome God" ? There was a time, just after He took Ben's seizures away, when that song was stuck in my mind for about 3 months solid! HE is!! Thanks
8647Happy Birthday to Ben!
My heart goes out to you. You are truly a blessing to Ben and I know he understands how much you love him. He has brought both light and darkness into your life and you are better for it. You have a strength that many people don't, I know I would not have been able to do what you have, at least I don't think I would have been able to. Bless you and I hope you continue to be able to have Ben in your life and be strong enough to care for him.(((((HUG)))))
Debra
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Thanks, Debra, for all your words of encouragement, and for the warm hug! Having Ben has changed my life immeasurably.
33580Sorry, this ended up as a double post so I edited it.
1 comment
33580Jan, thank you so much for sharing with us. You are an incredible woman and Ben is a lucky young man. Please wish him happy birthday from all of us here on Cute and tell him that we love his mom, too! It gives me so much pride to be associated with such amazing people. No wonder this site is incredible- it was orchestrated by the Master. None of us landed here by chance. I'm thankful.
1 comment
158718I too didn't quite make it without the tears, hearing about your son & the challenges that you face everyday, make our problems small in comparison! Thank you & god bless you all!
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
You know, something I have learned is, no matter how great my challenges are, that doesn't make other people's challenges any easier for them. Everyone has their own challenges, and everyone needs understanding :-) Thanks for your caring!
299559Thanks for sharing your story. Like others, I didn't make it through it without crying. You are an amazing family.
1 comment
38558Jan, thank you for sharing Ben's story with us and letting us in on his birthday party. I wish Ben many more happier birthdays since you now have a diagnosis and ask that the Lord continues to Bless You and your Wonderful family with all the Love, Strength, Wisdom, and Courage that you need in each and every day. The Lord sure picked the right family to allow Ben to be a part of.....thank you for being the kind of Mother that Ben Needs and Loves......
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Sometimes, not very often, Ben will look right at me and say,
"You are sooo beautiful to me!" Makes a mom's heart melt! Thanks for your comments!
15874Thank you for sharing Ben's birthday with us. Having worked with quite a few of severely handicapped (physical and mental) children in my teaching years I have always enjoyed having them in my class. They bring so many challenges and it keep you on your toes to find solutions. But the rewards to see them develop even with minute steps has always moved me in a big way. God bless you and your family1
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Some people are able to recognize those minute steps - and it's those tiny steps that are sooo encouraging, isn't it! thanks for your wishes!
57492Ben is an amazing Birthday Boy and you are an amazing force of strength and love.
1 comment
89895Happy Birthday Ben!!! Hope you had a fun day with your friends and family that love you very much. You have been blessed with a wonderful mom who loves you very much also.
Jan, God knew exactly what He was doing when He allowed Ben in your life. My mom retired from teaching special needs adults for over 22 years. Like you she has a sweet disposition. I taught EMH self contained for a few years and didn't have what it takes with the repetition and other needs. It takes someone SPECIAL to do what you do every minute of the day. But God has given you that special something to handle all that comes to you. Thank you again for sharing a part of your life. God Bless you and Ben and your family. In Christ... Terre
[2]
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
That's really neat about your experience working with adults with special needs. You really do have to be very creative, don't you! It takes a very special person to keep doing a good job year after year and stay joyful! thanks for your sweet comments!
36693Wow !!!may God be with you ALL the time as you give to BEN i FEEL SURE THERE WILL Be A SPECIAL PLACE IN Heaven for Ben & for the ones who care for him God bless you all carolyn
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Thank you, Carolyn. I'm sure God has a special place in Heaven for Teachers who teach in Middle School!
360671You are a very special woman whom God has blessed with a very special son. Your ability to love must surely be boundless (even on the bad days!). God bless you and Ben.
1 comment
3457What a wonderful story!!! I have so much to learn from you and Ben!! You are a very special lady and that is why God sent you Ben, he knew you were the one with and incredible love in your heart to give to your son. He is very lucky!!!Please tell Ben Happy Birthday from me. Hugs and blessings.
1 comment
60484Happy birthday Ben!Thank you for sharing. Stella
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15982I think I cancelled out my response to this post three times. It just seemed so trivial. I get frustrated when I can't write what I feel. So I just say THANK YOU for sharing. It really tucked on every heartstring of my heart.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Thank you so very much for your heartfelt response. I can tell you truly care.
109774Happy Birthday Ben. God bless you and your family. God loves you and all the special children in this world. God also loves and cares for the special parents, he has send to take care of all the special children.
I have two boys who have IQ between 70 to 80.They are 22 and 18 years. They are slow in reading and writing but good at ART and Hand embroidery, cooking, baking and sports. They play football and cricket. My eldest represented India for Special Olympics 2009 for Cricket.
Ben you are our Hero. We all ( Familia de Souza from Goa, India) love you. Congratulations to Ben's Mama.
God bless and take care.
Bye. Bernadette Elizabeth de Souza.
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Wow, You are doubly blessed! I'm so very happy to get to know you! I have a friend who travels to India every year. Please email me at janwharton@me.com so we can chat!
Jan
4006Happy Birthday to Ben!!! May he have many more!
Enjoy him while you can, so many people do not understand or care to understnad these wonderful gifts god gave to us.
I understand your stuggles as I had an older sister who was born with a hip deformity, the drs talked my folks into surgery which corrected the problem but gave her a bad limp and brain damage. Much like your son she can never be alone, for many reasons. I lost her to a massive heart attack 3 years ago, and ever since there's been this big empty whole that she filled for me.
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Thank you for understanding. I'm so sorry for you losing your sister, she sounds like she was an inspiration for you. That's an amazing story. Thanks for your caring.
22354God is SSooooooo Good!!! I am so happy for you to have Ben, and celebrate this special day. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!
1 comment
92391I so loved reading your story of Ben. So inspiring--that's what life is all about--love and service. Thanks and God Bless.
1 comment
171Jan - this is incredible - and God knew that Ben would have a good home, and he blessed you with him. Hapopy Birthday Ben - enjoy your special day.
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Thank you, Dionna, Ben loved the Mickey Mouse. We did really enjoy his day.
44905Thank you. Happy Birthday, Ben.
I am not a hugger... but, you and Ben both have one coming from me.
I love your sense of balance... and appreciate you sharing with us.
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
It really is a balancing act. But that's how life is, isn't it! Thanks for caring.
3075I spent 28 years as a special ed teacher and loved it. These peop;e enriched my life more than if I had taught so-called normal kids. Bless Ben and his wonderful parents on this special day. Give him a birthday hug from me.
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
I love being surrounded by people with special needs too. When we take Ben and his two special buddies out for pizza it is all pure joy, burps and giggles. It is totally engaging and I just laugh and have the best time. They don't talk much, but thoroughly enjoy just being together. I'm glad you understand!
169064I am truly blown away, Jan, by your posting. It is one of the most touching bios I have read and what a testament to a loving and strong family unit. When I was younger I volunteered weekends at a facility for children & young adults with issues such as Ben's and I always left with tears of joy & sorrow.....these kids are wonderful human beings and are so worth getting to know. I am a better person for having these great kids in my life. So a happy birthday to your Ben and my prayers are that his life will get easier for him medically...
Hugs & love to you, Jan and your family!! Vicki
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Vicki, How sweet. You know, not everyone "gets it" about people with special needs. They can't look past the disability to see the person inside. I can tell you Can! Thank you!
261163Happy Birthday Ben!!! May god bless you and your family, Hugs Lisa
12843Hi, Jan,
As in an article I read a long time ago pertaining to
giving birth to baby with Downs, it stated something like, "I planned a trip to Paris, but discovered my plane landed elsewhere, instead. When I overcame my disillusionment and accepted my plight, I realized this place is just as beautiful!"
Being the mother of an adult Downs Syndrone "child", I understand your challenges fully. My oldest daughter, Cindy, is now 45, and keeps me young at heart, because she seems like a twelve year old. She has so much enthusiam and love for others. When I am down, she lifts me up with her zest for life! I am especially blessed and fortunate that Cindy is only mildy mentally disabled. She has a basic elementary education, so she can read and write. She can care for herself in a lot of ways, but she is still a "child", requiring much supervision. Cindy had open heart surgery at age 7 with a 50/50 chance of survival. She has far exceeded her life expectancy, and I still thank God for each day I have her.
It is through life's hardships and challenges that we gain tremendous inner strength and learn early on what is truly important. I just want you to know you are not alone. Please feel free to email me if you would like. I will send you a pm with my email address.
I am sure Ben had a wonderful birthday. A great mom like you would make it so!!
Angel
1 comment
by hightechgrammy
22 Feb 2011
Hi Angel, I knew we had something in common besides embroidery! One of Ben's best buddies has Down Syndrome and he sounds a whole lot like Cindy. He has this incredible sense of humor and keeps me laughing. Cindy sounds like she is much higher functioning than Ben. I'd love to chat, so do email me at janwharton@me.com Thanks
12500
31942Your story brought tears to my eyes. What an incredible child God placed in an incredible family. I know you have all touched countless lives. I believe everyone has a special mission in life and you have accepted yours with love and grace. Bless all of you and happy birthday to Ben.
212Now we know why God gave you Ben. Happy Birthday Ben and hope you have many more. God bless you.
41781Happy Birthday to Ben. What a special young man he is. His Mother is an incredible person with an amazing amount of stamina and courage. Thank you for sharing your story with us. May God watch over you and your family and bless you in every way. Hugs, Mary
33871Thank you for sharing your story with us. God bless you and Happy birthday to Ben.
48168
17214Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. What an incredible story. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Blessings for you, Jan, and a Happy birthday Ben. Shirl
19823HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!! I LOVE YOU!
I admire you dear Jan. My prayers are with you.
Blessings your family.
HUGS,
Veronika
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76409Thank you for sharing the story of Ben and congratulations with his 23th birthday. I admire your strength and courage. Ben is blessed with a wonderful mother(and family). I hope you can give each other lots of love for many years more.Thank you again for sharing and for you being a cutie.love and hugs for you and Ben***
743327If any Cuties can read this without crying....... What a wonderful Mum you are. Ben is so very lucky to have parents who care so much for him. I hope Ben has a wonderful birthday. My thoughts are with you all. Hugs Sarah.
255054Dear Jan, thanks for sharing your incredible story with us. I had to cry and I admire you for what you've done and are still doing for Ben. The Lord chose you to give Ben to and He sees what you're doing and I'm sure that He prepared a special place for you in heaven. My prayers go up for your family. Love and Hugs Babsie
21222Dear Jan, I read it and cried. You are such a remarkable lady, and an inspiration for all of us. I can see your life has been blessed. May God bless your home every day. Happy Birthday to Ben!!! Love and hugs, Yoriko
88650Jan what an incredible "story". I also read it to my husband. While reading I was thinking of the song "Ben" by Michael Jackson. Can I ask you how old you were when Ben was born? Enjoy every day to the fullest with them. LOVIES
18960Jan, your wonderful story brought tears to my eyes. The problems in my life are so small compared with all you've had to do to raise your son and I admire you for what you are doing. I hope Ben has a wonderful day and continues to be a joy to you and your family. Give him a big hug from me, please. Martine
145305Dear Jan,
I've just read this out to my husband and I couldn't help but cry. What an amazing account of your wonderful life. I feel blessed to "know" you from being here on Cute. And Oh! how God has blessed you, your husband and family. I have so much admiration for you and anyone who raises special needs children.
I thank God everyday for our family and know that all children are a gift from God.
Thank you for sharing a little bit of your life with us. You should write a book. I loved reading this letter.
Love and blessings Chris
P.S. Our son's name is Ben also.
234507Jan, thank you for sharing Ben's birthday with us and letting us know about the life that he has lead because of all the love that he has received these past 23 years - I have a friend that recently lost her beautiful 23 year old daughter that she has loved and cared for all these years - what a blessing she was to my friend and every person that met her. I will be praying for you and Ben. And I know it wasn't by chance that you found the CUTE family, either. Unconditional Love, Shirlene
211079Like you, I am a special MOM to a special child who is 30 yrs old now.
We have just finished a ten minuet conversation on whether he should bath today or not,He is now happy to know what we are doing today,Bathing early because we are getting visitors today.He is laughing to himself while getting his own breakfast.
God bless all the special children who have taught us wonderful Moms what pleasures there can be in the most trivial of things.
Hugs to you and your son on his 23rd Birthday.
From Bev
7875Read all you wrote and you are truly an amazing lady. Ben is very lucky to have parents like you and your husband. God blesses all of us in his own way. God has blessed you and your son. We will always be here for you any time you need us. Love to you and your whole family
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