RECORD MAKING MOMENT!

Stephen's track season is off to a great start.  At the state indoor championships, Stephen set his personal record and beat our schools record in the 3200 that was set back in 1998.  That previous record was set by Stephen's current track coach so it was pretty neat to watch this record be broken!

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON LIFE

Because Ben and Jonah are both 7 years old, both in 1st grade, and both have Down syndrome, many people think they are alike.  They are not.  They have very different personalities.  

A lot of Ben's personality comes from being in an orphanage for his first 6 years.  Ben likes control, Ben is rough around the edges, and Ben comes out fighting and in defense mode.  Ben often hides his sweet side.  Sometimes even when Ben is being charming, there is still manipulation behind it.  Ben is more in control of himself.  He listens better, and he is more trustworthy to not run away or do something dangerous.  Ben is a protector.  He looks out for all of us, always wanting to make sure he knows what we are doing and if we are doing it the right way (ahem, his way...).  

Jonah is very impulsive and easily distracted.  Jonah is very trusting and very friendly almost all the time.  Even in Jonah's naughtiness, there is a sweetness.  

Jonah's misbehavior is often because of his lack of self-control.  Ben's misbehavior is often stemming from the need to control or defy someone else's attempt to control him.  

I could keep using words to describe the differences in the boys, but I think I have 2 photos that will say it better than words.  Stephen took each boy, separately, out for burgers and ice cream. 

Here is a photo of Ben on his outing with Stephen:

And here is a photo of Jonah on his outing with his big brother.  

Ben has come a long way since he came home to us in July 2016.  He has a lot of fun and joy in his life, and he is often smiling and laughing.  But still at the core, Ben is learning to trust, learning to love, and learning to relax in his new life.  It is improving all the time, and my hope and prayer is that someday Ben will smile as easily as his goofy little brother Jonah.  

SOME VERY SPECIAL PHOTOS

My father served in the army during the Korean War.  We are very proud of his bravery and service to our country.

We have always thought that our Stephen resembles his Grandpa.  

Here is a photo of my dad as a young boy.

Here is a photo of my dad and Stephen (1st grade)

Do you see the resemblance?

My father has mentioned over the years that when Stephen got big enough, he would like Stephen to try on his army uniform.  The two have very similar builds.  This January, Stephen was finally the right height and weight to try on the uniform.  

What a special moment to see these two very special men in my life standing side by side.  My hope and prayer is that Stephen will always be like his Grandpa, not just in how he looks but how he loves the Lord and treats others.  

Stephen, you have a incredible role model!

Here is my dad in 1953.