Have you ever been gifted something in life that you were not expecting?
One of my greatest gifts in life has been my children. However, my last child was a special bonus. He has been this very special gift that God blessed me and my family with, from His hands to ours. Today Kyle turns 20 years old.
This special gift whom we did not know was a boy until he arrived has blessed us along with so many people. When he was just around 3 to 4 months old and alert, he loved to sit on the kitchen table in his bouncy seat while we ate dinner, until he could sit in a chair around the table. He actually mimicked the word “Hi” at the young age of 4 months old. We used to joke that he was prepping to run for Mayor. He has always loved to communicate and be with loved ones.
Kyle has had many challenges thrown at him that most do not face in life, and yet he continues to persevere. His perseverance is something I admire, and I am extremely proud of him.
As a third child and born much later than his other siblings, Kyle had no choice but to be versatile to accommodate his older siblings' endeavors; school, baseball, basketball, swimming, dance, and gymnastics. This lent him many opportunities to make friends with those he was around during practice and game times on so many occasions. He is good at making friends to this day.
After pre-K, Kyle’s teacher sat down with each parent in a one-on-one conference. I am forever grateful to his pre-K teacher at Benson Memorial who cautioned me to be attentive to Kyle’s schooling. Something that can not go unmentioned is that Kyle was always happy that is until he started kindergarten.
The start of kindergarten was met with nightly tears, every single night at bedtime. Often accompanied with him saying his tummy hurt or he couldn't go to school in the morning. Attempting for a solution, I found a school that was math and science geared with more hands-on learning. This seemed to improve his outlook on school for a bit.
Although near the beginning of 2nd grade, we sought a Professional Education Tutor. She was a gift to us and diagnosed Kyle with dyslexia. Ms. Dolan taught the Wilson system, which aided and allowed Kyle to learn to read.
This cannot be mentioned without acknowledging how much time and effort this took Kyle, with me by his side, mastering hours of homework daily. This has been the norm since Kindergarten, but his tutor notebook added even more work. Kyle persevered.
Life throws curveballs, and those who persevere will be blessed. It is God’s promise. We all become better at encouraging one another after having endured trials. We are not meant to walk this life alone.
Just as Kyle has learned to be a good friend and be there for others, you too can be a good friend. Choose wisely those you walk through life alongside. We need others to encourage us, help us, guide us, challenge us, and convict us.
My hope is that you all will keep persevering and encouraging one another throughout life. Lean on those God has made faithful to loving you well. Allow yourself to choose Godly friends and establish lasting relationships.
James 1:12
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
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