God's Unexpected Blessings

Hi All!
Just when our lives seems the darkest, God arrives is a powerful way.  Please, let me explain.  Most readers will remember that our five year old son, Gabriel, has Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome.  This genetic neurological condition has left him with severe cognitive and physical disabilities.  For at least the past 2 1/2 years we have been working on teaching him to walk in a supportive device called a gait trainer.


Well, Gabriel has not been able to do much therapy or school for the past ten days due to a respiratory infection.  The infection and the medicines to combat it have turned Gabriel's gentle disposition into that of a wolverine.  He has not be willing to sit without being held or sleep for more that 30 minutes at a time at night.  This has taken its toll on me (Glen).


I contemplated cancelling all of his appointments for another day.  As Wednesday turned into evening, Gabriel began to show signs that he was feeling better.  As a result, I decided to at least attempt all three of his appointment.  If I had to cut them short, I would have tried.  Unfortunately, Gabriel did not sleep well again last night.  So, I woke this morning discouraged, tired, and a bit angry.


I took him the first two appointments.  He tolerated the range of motion exercises without much complaint.  This encouraged me to take him to our community elementary school where he gets some physical therapy services when the weather does not allow us to take him out.  As wheeled him out of his van, I began to see a change in Gabriel's countenance. In the main hallway, I took him out of his stroller and put him in his gait trainer and attached all of the supports.


Well, almost before I could unpack my DSLR to start taking pictures, Gabriel began to take his first step.  Why is this remarkable?  Gabriel almost never initiates his first step without a cue.  But that would not be the most remarkable thing.  My mouth opened with astonishment as I watched Gabriel begin to push with his leading leg and move the gait trainer and himself forward two or three inches.  (I am beginning to cry as I remember this.)  Until today, Gabriel has never propelled the device forward.  His steps have always been in response to some moving the gait trainer forward.


Soon after Gabriel started walking, his school physical therapist came up.  I quickly motioned for her to remain silent and watch.  I watched as her mouth opened in astonishment.  For a total of forty-five minutes, we watched as Gabriel inched his way down the hall for a total of twenty feet!  Every few steps he would pause as if seeking our reassurance that he was doing exactly what we wanted of him.


Suddenly and quite unexpectedly, my gloomy week was transformed into a joyous occasion as I rushed home after the appointment to begin sending out the good news that Gabriel had taken his first self-initiated, propelling steps!


So, this is what it feels like to see one's child take his or her first steps!  Thank you Jesus!


Thanks for your prayers, kind words, and warm thoughts!

Glen Stephens