Lost Lambs

When Joshua was only a few months old, I met a lady at a homeschooling convention who had eight children from ages 20 to 3 years old.  She had a son around 10 years old that was born with Down syndrome.  When I asked her how difficult it was for her having a child with Down syndrome, she responded, "not as challenging as dealing with the sin my 20 year old daughter is in." 

I have never forgotten that and I now understand how parents tend to focus on the child with the greatest need at the moment.  Having a special needs child does not mean that our other children will not require as much or more of our attention.  I guess we are all a little "special needs" at one time or another.  We all tend to lose our way and go in the wrong direction.

It makes me think of the story of the lost sheep in the Bible and how the shepherd leaves all the other sheep to find the lost one and how he rejoices when that sheep is found.  I'm so glad we have a Father in heaven that cares about every single child on this earth no matter their intelligence, physical appearance or contributions.

Shouldn't we all be the same way?  Joshua and I think so.

Learning Humility

Joshua's older brother Jeremy, is one of Joshua's best friends.  Although Jeremy is 21 yrs old he loves doing things with Joshua like playing his music on the keyboard and he is very patient with  him.  But his patience ends there.

I confess I am to a certain degree computer illiterate, but I am working on it ever day.  My son, Jeremy has been my biggest asset in accomplishing anything on this blog.  He has helped me set it up, put the pictures on and a myriad of other things.  I homeschooled him  from K - 9th grade, so you think he would be grateful that I taught him how to read, write,  do his math, etc.

However, when it comes to him teaching me on the computer, I'm sure I am a great challenge.  He is currently in college studying biomedical engineering.  I told him to never, never, never go into teaching.

He was totally shocked to find out all the things I do NOT know how to do.  I have taught myself how to work my computer, do face book and a few other things; but I guess that I am really way behind in my computer skills.  According to him, I have "real computer issues".

After being insulted a few times with comments like "this is so elementary ... it's like telling someone how to wash a dish," and "even Aunt Joyce knows how to do this"; I learned what Jeremy considers to be the epitome of stupidity when he says, "Mom, teenage girls know how to do this." 

So, if I don't post everyday or get my pictures posted at the right time, you will understand that I am being tutored by a strict schoolmaster who is not very available  Anyone else available, please let me know.  Until then, I remain humbly yours,  Patti Goulet, and I still love you, Jeremy, you're the best!

Joshua's Family Pictures

Fun in the hammock

A "cool" brother

Kisses

the tube dude

smiles

mom and dad smiles

Beach Boy

Jet skiing

riding in car

quiet times

hiking with brother, Jeremy

hugging bear

sweet sister

Look at Me!

Joshua avoids directs eye contact as do a lot of special needs children.  Sometimes it's just easier for him to focus and listen without having to look someone in the eyes at the same time while they are speaking.  But many people don't understand that and think that he is not listening to them or that he isn't aware of the fact that they are speaking to him.  Some people get irritated (I know I have) with the fact that he will not look into their eyes.

Why do we want people to look us in the eyes when we are speaking to them?   Isn't it more for the benefit of the person speaking than the person listening?   We want to know that we have their attention and that they are listening to us and perhaps we can read something in their eyes to reflect on what we have just said. 

When you listen to music, you are not always looking into the eyes of a musician but hopefully the message of the music comes across.  The Word says that "the things that are visible are temporal, but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting."

Maybe, Joshua wants to listen so much to what I really have to say that he purposefully looks away so he can not only hear my words, but also hear my heart.  Isn't that how we should all listen? 

  

Razor Sharp

Joshua is always wanting to play with razors.  His sense of touch is not as keen as normal so he is fascinated with how quickly he can "feel" when he touches a sharp razor.  He just scratches up his thumb a little with them.  But we worry he will really hurt himself.

Of course we try to keep them hidden, but with all the people in this house shaving legs or beards, he somehow manages to find them.  He also likes the excitement or panic in our voices when we see he has a razor in his hand.  I'm sure the attention and the drama of the moment unfortunately makes him tend to seek them out even more.

Sometimes we are drawn towards sharp, potentially dangerous things in our lives.  The intense emotions and sensations can be intriguing.  Of course it's always a lie.  Like Joshua, I am learning to discern truth and not get cut on the way.    

Which Side of the Wall?

When we are in a fortress we can be either safe or trapped.  It's easier to not have to face other people and their stares and to remain in a safe secluded environment.  But I believe God does not create us to live for ourselves, but to share our gifts and uniqueness with others.

Almost always when Joshua and I are out, we get a few stares and a few smiles.  Some days the stares are really annoying.  But I can understand why someone may stare at a 13 year old boy hugging a mannequin in a store and Joshua wants to hug all of them.

I wish it didn't bother me when we get that second look.   It would be so nice to walk around at the mall or anywhere and no one would take notice.  Maybe God has something He wants us to share with the world.  Sometimes I think the journey is mine and Joshua is leading me.  A lady at a store told me that special needs people are smarter that us.  I believe her.  Keep leading me Joshua!

Bring All the Walls Down

Imagine living in a walled fortress that had no doors or windows.  There would be no way for you to leave or for anyone to come inside.  Loneliness and frustration would just be two of the emotions you would have from the isolation.  Boredom and futility would accompany.  How could you escape and connect with individuals on the other side of the fortress?

Sometimes I feel like my son, Joshua, lives in that walled fortress.  Being nonverbal closes a lot of doors and windows.  Having been born with Down syndrome and a smear of autism, he is often isolated and cut off from  relationships.

I am here to introduce you to Joshua.  He is an amazing young man with an amazing journey.  Everyday something unique and sometimes embarrassing happens in his life. (I'm the one who gets embarressed, Joshua never does.)

Join us on our journey!

Pictures

Some pictures of Joshua...