Happy Birthday Willie

Happy Birthday Willie...This post is dedicated to my sweet "Willie". I thought it only appropriate to have a picture of these two together. I always have a story and here it goes.

 

It all began when I was 15 years old (Willie's age today). I was a Miamaid in the Young Women's program for my church. And during this time I remember feeling very close to my Heavenly Father. I wasn't the perfect daughter but I remember having my challenges and really relying on prayer for comfort, help and guidance. I was a very good journal writer. I wrote everything good & bad. I attended seminary and had an amazing seminary teacher, Brother Mainor. He constantly gave me hope. During this period of my life a few of my friend's had siblings with Down Syndrome. I don't remember being very close to these kids but I just remember they were part of their household.

 

One night as I was writing in my journal during my 15th year, I had a clear impression that I would have a son with Down Syndrome. I remember writing this in my journal and thinking, 'what does this mean." I have never been one to question the impressions or revelations that my Heavenly Father entrusted me with but this one certainly burned in my heart and my mind. I remember mentioning to my mom in passing and like any good mom she told me my children would be fine and not to worry. I never mentioned it again because I knew what the Lord had told me.

 

Willie was born exactly one year and 4 hours after Kylee's birthday. Kylee has always shared her birthday with Willie. And whenever we have a photo-shoot Kylee is the only one that asks for a picture with her brother Willie. They share a bond that only Heaven and a mother can explain. I always thought I would be an OLD, Mormon mom having babies late in life but Willie came to us at the age of 26. He is mashed between 4 girls with a younger brother.

 

When I think about Willie my heart enlarges and my breathing gets deeper. There is so much joy and sorrow in having a child with Down Syndrome. Willie has no friends. There was nobody that I could invite to have a party for just Willie (his age). He is certain he will drive like Kylee (not going to ever happen). Society will never think of Willie as a capable citizen in their community. Sometimes people talk to him like he is deaf. ;) The only time Willie will attend a dance is if his sister takes him. And the pain I feel as a mom at times is put to rest quickly because I remember that Jesus Christ suffered and died so that I may enjoy the JOY of Willie. The Atonement is what sees me through the despair of his disability and the Atonement creates an ABILITY in Willie.

 

So today Willie and I celebrated his birthday buying clothes. He loves clothes. And the joy of Willie is that he is always happy. He sees with Spiritual Eyes. He doesn't have to use his Physical eyes the way we do at times. He isn't sad that he had no friends over. He was happy that his sisters used Kylee's cake yesterday to blow out candles. He was happy they took the time to sing happy birthday to him. He sees the good in all things. And the Atonement lives in Willie.

 

Willie has been a great inspiration to me and I feel blessed that Heavenly Father trusted me with Willie. I am grateful for a Husband that has always been accepting of Willie, even though at times he may not understand how to deal with him. Kyle has never given up. I am blessed to have 5 other children that instinctly know Willie. They don't understand at times why Willie has the "Fat Brain" but they allow Willie to be Willie. I believe that we chose our families before we came to earth. I believe that Kylee valiantly chose to come first and promised to be his friend and protector. I know God lives. I see his love and abounding goodness in Willie's eyes.

 

So today I wish my little William Scott a Happy, Happy  Birthday. May we all Keep the "child-like" spirit that God intended us to have here on earth.

 

Love,

MOM