tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895440453335552117.post2478460778971210205..comments2024-03-10T19:25:53.307-04:00Comments on calvin's story: lost to meChristy Shakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00106761191160700997noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895440453335552117.post-31304652245989227882011-02-22T13:55:05.229-05:002011-02-22T13:55:05.229-05:00When Christy emailed me to tell me that today'...When Christy emailed me to tell me that today's post was about me I was eager to read it. Every entry of her blog is so touching: always beautifully and powerfully written. I have to admit that whenever I hear from Christy or Michael my heart fills with happiness.<br /><br />Michael, Christy and Calvin invited me in to their home with the most generous hospitality I've ever received.. For the first time in my life I actually felt that I could make myself at home while being in someone else's home.<br /><br />After reading today's post I'm left with some mixed feelings. While I am grateful for Christy's kind words, I also am incredibly sad for Calvin's lack of development and well being. I am amazingly thankful for my growing friendship with Mike, Christy and Calvin, and the last thing I would want is to remind Christy or Mike of their loss in Calvin's development and his struggles with epilepsy. Although, I gather that Christy's feelings are more complicated then a simple sense of loss. She is very intelligent and looks beyond her loss to find happiness. I must say that the lucky feeling that she has for our friendship is mutual.<br /><br />Reading the post today reminded me about a story my mother has told me several times about my cousin who was born with down syndrome. As his birth approached doctors were very negative in the way they spoke to my aunt. They told her of all the things he would not be able to do -of all the disabilities he would have. As my cousin grew into a delightful, happy young man, my aunt told my mother that all of the doctors that were focused on my cousin's lack of ability never mentioned how much love he would be capable of. I look at my cousin now and aspire to the amount of love he gives forth.<br /><br />I agree with Christy and spend a lot of time with Calvin in my thoughts - hoping for his well being and wishing that he didn't struggle with so many disabilities. I would choose a healthy Calvin, too. However, I still feel that in her lost Christy has had, in some ways, a weird and wonderful gain. When I look at Calvin I see a beautiful, happy young boy. He has the best laugh I've ever heard. After only one weekend with his family, I know that Calvin recognizes his parents and loves them immensely. Although it's a hard pill to swallow, I think Calvin's disabilities are also a gift. He certainly makes me want to be a better person and appreciate every moment of the life and opportunities I have been given. Let's find a cure for epilepsy. Let's help Calvin to develop and grow into the amazing young man that he will become, so that he may continue to impact the lives of his family and others in profoundly touching ways.Ivano Pulitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07800489689895361470noreply@blogger.com