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(How was this missed in the womb? They have tests for that.)

And then what?

My grandson was born with spina bifida that slipped through the testing. The docs and nurses felt so bad because “something could have been done”. There is in-vitro surgery that can help, but they didn’t mean that.

He was hidden behind a curtain in the nursery, but we peeked and all fell in love at first sight. He presented different issues to contend with, but everyone in both families set about learning what to do, and enriching his life in many ways. He rewarded us daily with smiles, kisses and hugs.

Then he developed autism. He, and we, realized the differences and set about communicating however we could. He related to singing, and could quickly memorize even lengthy songs with many verses. Eventually he showed he was trying to express himself. His first words, at age 5, both to his Mother and separately to me were, “Thank you for taking care of me.”

Now he’s six, looking forward to first grade. He’s been read to since the beginning. Eventually he could “read” familiar books, based on his memorization ability. So we were shocked two weeks ago when he picked up from the table and read a two page greeting card printed in cursive. Since then, I’ve seen him read about 30 story books that he’d never seen before. He’s now trying to put expression into his reading.
He’s exceptionally good with pattern puzzles, and sings beautifully, on key. Walking will take a while, and he’ll never do it without a limp, but who cares?

He’s given back to family, friends, teachers, aides and bus drivers far more than any of us ever felt we put in. It first took acceptance, love, work with little reward other than his very existence, and belief/faith. I know our story can’t be everyone’s. Many people travel a much harder road. The surrogates who kept the “defective” twins are the ones who will be generously blessed.