The Brave Little Soul

There is no denying that Dave and I are on a path today that two years ago we NEVER could have imagined we'd be on. Sometimes when I'm alone with my thoughts I find myself asking, why? Why me? Why Liam? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why would an innocent baby be brought into this world only to struggle? Why? WHY!?

Then I came across this poem - it really is inspirational. And makes you wonder - do things really happen for a reason? So much of what is expressed in this poem has actually happened in our life - to our family, friends, neighbours and even strangers. Liam is an inspiration to so many - and he really has brought so much joy to so many people! Maybe there is a reason for everything! It's a comforting thought...

The Brave Little Soul
By John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however, the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen, why is there suffering in the world?"

God paused for a moment and replied, Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in peoples hearts". The little soul was confused. "What do you mean", he asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences, and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts like the sun and rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. i tell you this-it is the greatest miracle of all.

Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer -to unlock the love-to create this miracle-for the good of all humanity.

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am a brave; let me go! I would like to go into this world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!"

God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.

Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives were changed forever. it was good. the world was a better place. the miracle had happened

Crazy Talk!

"MOP!" Doesn't seem very exciting does it?  But it can produce belly laughs out of our youngest son! It's his official 4th word. Yes, he says "mama", "milk", "more", and "yea", but really is he just exercising his lips?  Babbling? Or actually  speaking...we can't really tell because those words aren't 100% complete yet. But MOP - there's no denying it - MOP is MOP! Dave and I are longing for Liam to begin speaking. He (and we) are becoming increasingly frustrated with not knowing what Liam wants/needs. A sighted child still not speaking at 25 months could walk to an item they desired, or at the very least, look and point to it. For Liam everything is a guessing game. Let me break down a typical meltdown for you:

Liam: Waaaaaaa - WAAAAAA (Liam crying)

Mom: Liam, use your words, what do you want?

Liam: Mi (which could be anything from milk, to more, to bed, to bath - everything is 'mi')

Mom: Liam, do you want (then we roll through the endless list of possibilities until we get to an item he wants) your piano, your turtle toy, your music, your rocking horse, a snack, your milk (thankfully the list really isn't THAT long since Liam really doesn't have a lot of toys to clutter his space - a few toys that he can learn and explore to the max are just fine for him - and really - it's more beneficial for him to have fewer things that we can really explain and help him understand)

So after we exhaust the list...most times (praise god) he will give us some indication - usually with a nod and a 'yea' that we've listed something he wants...we present him with 'his wish' and all is well with the world again - at least for a moment.

At times, we hear Liam 'singing'...once at daycare Monika swore he was humming a Barney tune! I believe it - he and Barney have a close personal relationship - they dine together every morning for breakfast! Liam, Barney and the rocking horse - morning must-haves!

Other times Liam will just rant away "bala aksdlf kadjf jakdl", it's as though he's practicing sentence structure. His busiest time honing this skill is at night in his crib. He entertains an audience of many each evening - Ellie, Doggie, and Tyrone from the Backyardigans to name a few - BFFs! They all share the sleeping space in Liam's crib.

I can't wait until the day that Liam articulates something  to me - actually calls out to me and asks me for something - maybe tells me how much he loves us all! But for now it's all just 'Crazy Talk' - and we'll take it! (but not for much longer I hope!)

Liam enjoying
his new MP3 player,
Summer 2011
at Nan's in Brighton.