Special needs children

I am writing in response to an article in the Aug. 26 issue, “A Special Kind of Love.” As the parent of a special needs child, this touched me deeply.

My husband, Bobby, and I have a 19-year-old son, Jordan, who is moderately mentally handicapped. He also has petit mal seizures, which are for the most part, controlled with medication. We are active members of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Geneva County.

From the first day we entered this church, we were all made to feel so welcome. Jordan is a happy child, who is always smiling and loves everybody. He wants to hug everyone and as far as I know, no one at church has a problem with that. Our pastor says, “If you don’t have a smile, just find Jordan and he will give you one.” This means so much to us. Jordan is really the only special child at our church and he goes to a regular youth Sunday School class.

There are about eight to 10 kids in the class and from the very beginning they all have accepted Jordan and look after him like he is their family. They include him in everything and encourage and praise him for his accomplishments. He goes to school with the same kids and they are never ashamed of him. They go out of their way to speak to him and include him in their activities.

I just felt compelled to put my feelings in writing because maybe sometimes I forget how fortunate we are to have this type church setting. Recently a friend of mine, who has a special child and goes to another local church, told me her son doesn’t always get that response from everyone in their church. It made me feel even more thankful for what we have.

I remember thinking when we first realized that Jordan had special needs, I can’t do this. This is too big a burden, but what seemed like a burden has been the greatest joy in our lives and I know God gave Jordan to us because He knew we would love him unconditionally and take care of him. It also has made us stronger Christians with a stronger faith in God and His faithfulness to take care of our every need.

Thank you for the article on special needs children and other uplifting articles you publish in The Alabama Baptist.

Carolyn Fleming
Kinston, Ala.