Jordan's Smile and Share the Shelter Link Up

Parents of kids with special needs don’t see a disability when they look at their kids. Instead, they see the most precious and wonderful blessing of their lives. They see their child. ~Eliana Tardi  

Immediately after Jordan was just born, the doctors said he wouldn't live to be a toddler. Then they changed the prognosis to "not past toddler years...school years...teenager." But at 19, Jordan is defying the odds. His parents, partnering with God, have given him not just life, but abundant life.  

Dwight and Becky, although not his birth parents, have cared for him since birth. Second mile caring -- clean and soft hair and skin, Downy fresh clothes, and love in abundance. From his sisters to their children, the whole family delights in Jordan.

Jordan was my children's church when he was school age.  He loved music. Blindness kept him from seeing the instruments, but oh how he loved shaking the tambourines. I'd involve him any way I could. If the boys were wearing hats, Jordan wore a hat. If the boys could choose a prize, Kent, a boy with a tender heart, chose a prize for Jordan, too. He has the most beautiful smile and I loved seeing him happy.  

Today I was able to see Jordan where he's been for over a month. He was admitted because of issues with his g-tube. He then encountered problems with his breathing and ended up on a vent.  Today, although the vent is still in, they have it turned off and he is breathing around it. It was such a joy to see that smile again, however fleeting it was.  

Jordan's life has touched so many. Of course, some too busy and preoccupied to allow him to teach them compassion, joy and determination. For those of us who have chosen to listen, Jordan has taught us joy in simple things, to accept others and to love with abandon.  


I'm praying Jordan will fight this new battle so he can do his favorite activity--go camping. I want him to feel the breeze on his hand, sleep in the tiny camper with his parents and feel those slimy, scaly fish he loves. Will you pray with me? (Just before posting this Becky sent me a text: "He got the vent off.  Praise the Lord!"  I'm praising Him, too!

I took Becky a magazine and a bag of snacks. I'd love to hear your ideas of a practical way to shelter a mother staying at the hospital night after night.

Share the Shelter

Share the Shelter is open to everyone. I love variety so link your craft and recipes ideas we can use for sheltering. Link your posts that encourage us in our walk with God. We're a family here at the Sheltering Tree so make sure you visit the link before yours. Feel free to leave a prayer request in the comments if you or someone you love needs prayer.

I'm linking to Hope in Every Season.