The Crusade

I cannot believe that this has taken off the way it has. The t-shirts alone were a blessing from God, I never could have ever even imagined something that huge happening for us. And folks are being so supportive saying that they'd provide covered dishes for the after ride.

I'm really glad I'm off on Monday as this will give me a chance to hand out flyers. Faith will be with her Daddy so I should be able to get a lot handed out on Monday. Unfortunately I probably won't be able to make a lot of contact by phone, but hanging up flyers and going to Wal-Mart parking lot to stick flyers on the bikes in the parking lot is something I'm excited about doing. Word gets around quick with those guys. We're going to the local hang out on Thursday (bike night) to hand out flyers there. That's going to be exciting as well.

The site is being updated with a slideshow of pictures, that's going to be really cool. Unfortunately we've not recieved much feedback from the visitors to the site, hopefully that will change soon. I'd love to hear from people!

So we're off to the beginning of an exciting ride!!!

I Am The Child

I am the child who cannot talk. You often pity me, I see it in your eyes. You wonder how much I am aware of. I see that as well. I am aware of much... whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if you are just doing your duty by me.

I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater, for I cannot express
myself or my needs as you do. You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times.

I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and
repeated. I do not give you answers to your everyday questions, responses over
my well being, sharing my needs, or comments about the world about me. I do not give you rewards as defined by the world's standards...great strides in development that you can credit yourself; I do not give you understanding as you know it.

What I give you is so much more valuable... Instead I give you opportunities.
Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine; the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities; the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible.

I drive you further than you would ever go on your own, working harder, seeking
answers to your many questions with no answers.

I am the child who cannot talk. I am the child who cannot walk. The world seems to pass me by. You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair, to run and play like other children. There is much you take for granted. I want the toys on the shelf, I need to go to the bathroom. Oh! I've dropped my fork again.
I am dependent on you in these ways.

My gift to you is to make you more aware of your great fortune, your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself. Sometimes people appear not to notice me; I always notice them. I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright, to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent. I give you awareness. I am the child who cannot walk.

I am the child who is mentally impaired. I don't learn easily, if you judge me by the world's measuring stick...What I do know is infinite joy in simple things. I am not burdened as you are with the strives and conflicts of a more complicated life. My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child, to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love. I give you the gift of simplicity. I am the child who is mentally impaired.

I am the disabled child. I am your teacher. If you allow me, I will teach you what is really important in life. I will give you and teach you unconditional love. I gift you with my innocent trust, my dependency upon you. I teach you about how precious this life is and about not taking things for granted. I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams. I teach you giving.

Most of all, I teach you hope and faith.

I am the disabled child.

Author Unknown

Heaven's Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth,
"It's time again for another birth,"
Said the angels to the Lord above,
"This special child will need much love.

Her progress may seem very slow,
Accomplishments she may not show,
And she'll require extra care
From the folks she meets way down there.

She may not run or laugh or play;
Her thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many was she won't adapt,
And she'll be known as handicapped.

So let's be careful where she's sent,
We want her life to be content.
Please, Lord, find parents who
Will do a special job for you

They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for this gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge so meek and mild
Is Heaven's very special child."

Fight for the Right

A lot going on these days. We have decided that arguing with the Board of Education every year for Faith to have a 1:1 aide isn't working. So we've decided to take things a bit further.

We are in the beginnings of a "Ride for Faith" poker run which will hopefully take place within the next month or so. Joel is currently working on a website for Faith and what the special needs children struggle with on a day to day basis in the school system. That web address will be www.crusadeforfaith.org ; please visit it often for updates and events.

As I said, we are just in the beginnings of this and any suggestions, support, or sponsors we can get for this cause would be wonderful.

It's time that someone step to the plate and voice for these children whom cannot voice for themselves.