Dear Samantha: 

Thirteen years ago, God gave you to us; a beautiful, perfect little baby girl
with blue eyes and a heart shaped face. Your dad and I rejoiced at adding another child to our family and giving
your brother Joseph a younger sibling. How could we have known then what a huge impact you would make on us all?

When we got the
news that you might have autism, I cried and cried. It seemed my grief would overwhelm me. I still remember pushing you on
your swing outside when you were eighteen-months old, just praying and praying
that you would say one word, any word that I could understand. While all my friends had children
starting to say “Mama” and even talking in sentences, you were silent, only
occasionally singing phrases from children’s songs.

God had a plan,
though and He has turned my grief into joy. Yes, you still struggle to say even one word, but what you
have taught me goes beyond words.

You have taught me
to accept people with differences, to see past their physical or developmental challenges
and get to know them.

You have taught me
to truly rely on my faith because in your challenges, as well as mine, I have
learned to rely on God, giving Him the glory and praise always.

You have taught me
how to trust, even when a situation is scary, because God will always be there
for us, and He will not let us suffer needlessly.

You have taught me
to be grateful, not taking the “normal” things of life for granted but
appreciating the little miracles; the accomplishment of small but significant
goals, your sense of humor, your hugs and kisses.

Today, you turn
thirteen-years old. Still a beautiful child with intense blue eyes that look
right though to my heart. I love
you more than I could ever say and I know, even though you only speak the words
in an echo of mine, that you love me too.

Happy Birthday
sweet child. Thank you for all you have taught me and continue to teach me.

Love,

Mom

Karen Jackson is founder and director of Faith Inclusion
Network of South Hampton Roads, a coalition of area faith communities and
disability service providers providing support for the inclusion of people with
disabilities in places of worship. 
She, her husband Scott and three children reside in Norfolk, VA.

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