This past weekend, Seth had the opportunity to participate in a fishing activity called "Cast for Kids", an event for kids with special needs. It was Seth's first time out in a boat and first fishing experience.
So contemplative. I often wonder what he's thinking.
Wanting to take over for the captain. :)
I think he likes fishing...
It was a great event focusing on what kids with special needs can do, with just a little thought and adaptation. Afterwards, there was a bar b que. I walked around the park and lunch, watching all the kids, all with various special needs, all being loved and supported not only by their families, but those in our community who value all kids.
And as I watched, as often does, my mind drifted to Ukraine. Because some experiences change you forever. As I watched the kids, many with CP, Down Syndrome and autism, I wondered how many of them, if born in another country, would find themselves in an orphanage or institution? How many of them would have been seen as a burden, as too difficult? How many of these moms would have been talked into abandoning their children to state care? It's really all about location, location, location, isn't it?
Now, an argument can be made that in America, many children with down syndrome are aborted. And that is true. At least in Eastern Europe, they get life. But how much better when they get life, a family, community support, an education, therapy and health care. That's the best scenario. And it is highly unlikely in Eastern Europe. Looking at these kids and remembering those in Ukraine was a very stark contrast. Seeing my boy, compared to those boys with CP, born in America who had therapy and love from birth, was eye opening. I couldn't help but wonder how my friends in the institution would be doing, had they been born under different circumstances.
The two boys weighing heaviest on my mind are, of course, "Frank" and "Francis". Last week, I asked you to vote to get "Francis" on Reeces Rainbow's Angel Tree, so that awareness for him can be raised, so we can increase his grant and help him find a family. Thank you to all who voted. Francis made it onto the Angel Tree.
The next category is Boys 10+ and I was thrilled to see my friend "Frank" as one of the boys who has the chance to be on the Angel Tree. Frank's chances of being adopted aren't good. He's a boy, he's older, and he lives in an institution. That's a lot of strikes against him. Raising his grant is the best way we can help him. Overcoming the barrier of finances is sometimes all it takes to motivate someone to take that leap of faith for an older child.
I can tell you a little about "Frank". Jeremy and I fell in love with him. He's little, he's spunky, he's smart. He's a sweet boy who seems rather unaffected by his surroundings. He runs around a lot, likes to play ball, play on the trampoline, and do puzzles. He interacts well with the caregivers and other boys. Everyone seems to like Frank. We never saw anything that concerned us about him, and quite honestly, we're stumped as to why he's there and not at a boarding house. Sometimes very random decisions are made. Who knows how he got there? I just know he needs out. He has no future where he's at, and without help, he's never getting out. Institutions are a one way ticket to nowhere. And this little boy deserves a future. This little boy will be a blessing to any family.
This little boy just needs a chance. I have so many more pictures, stories and even videos of Frank. If you want more information, please ask. I will contact you and answer any questions I can.
Here is the link to Reeces Rainbow's Angel Tree for Boys 10+. Please take just a moment to scroll down, find Frank (listed first) and click "vote" above his pic. That's all you have to do to help Frank find a family. That's how you can help an orphan, today, right now. Just a click.
