From the moment I opened our story with "Welcome to Holland", a beautiful piece written by Emily Perl Kingsley when asked what it's like to raise a child with a disability, I felt at ease. As I looked out at the crowd of women who had purchased tickets to attend, I saw nothing but support and encouragement, and yes, a lot of love. I expounded upon the Holland piece with my own story of how we had to create new dreams for our son, but hopefully, left the message that just because dreams change doesn't mean they are not still beautiful dreams.
At the conclusion, I was incredibly surprised to learn that Jonathon was in the back of the room with David, and as he made his way to the front of the room, I lost it. I had tried really hard to not give in to some of the emotions that are always just below the surface with me, but as I watched this beautiful masterpiece of God walking toward the stage, I couldn't help but cry tears of pure joy and gratitude. Jonathon, too, had to create new dreams for himself over the years, but he is forever grateful for the life he is still able to enjoy and lives it each day with a joy-filled heart. I do love that young man so much!
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
