In my mind and the realization grows as this campaign evolves that this election is really about Obama Vs. Trig
Before Pope Benedict came to America to celebrate Mass in New York and Washington, it was revealed that as a young boy in Germany he had had a cousin with Down Syndrome. One day a Nazi doctor came and claimed his cousin for the Third Reich. Taken to be “cared for” at the “hospital” young Joseph Ratzinger never saw his cousin again: one of the host of “useless eaters” marked for extermination by that brutal regime.
My wife and I operate St. Joseph’s House, a daycare and respite care home for handicapped children. As it happened one of the children we care for, a wheelchair bound young lady, was chosen along with three other handicapped folks to carry the gifts up to the altar before the consecration at the Mass at Nationals Stadium in Washington D.C. on April 17, 2008. One of these was James, a 30ish man who works in the Officer’s Club at Andrews AFB. James has Down Syndrome. He was chosen to carry the large host which would become the Body of Christ lifted up before the assembled. As James with great ceremony advanced toward the Pope, his native enthusiasm overcame his reserve and he started to run. Simultaneously the Holy Father leapt from his chair and walked towards James with his arms outstretched. We have a picture of this moment which I cannot look at without tearing up. What did he see as he gazed so lovingly at James? I believe he saw his cousin. I believe he saw the face of Jesus. And I believe that his great prayer as he elevated that host on that impossibly beautiful day was “As long as you did to these the least of my brethren, you did it to Me.”
The next day April 18th, a boy was born to of all people, the Governor of Alaska. They named him Trig.
Not tearing up...sobbing. Such love.
Along with the Book of Luke version of Our Lord’s birth that has to be one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. Thank you so much for your post.
mrs
Heartwarming. I wish you could post that picture. It would be nice to have. Prayers for all.
What a touching story! I would love to see that picture of James.
Beautiful story.
Here’s a personal story to go with yours:
My oldest daughter Sky worked with a Down’s syndrome boy named Jamie from 1996 when we were stationed at Malmstrom AFB, MT. In fact she still is friends with him and his entire family.
My very ill mother moved in with our family in May of 2001 because she wanted to die at home, surrounded by family. Jamie was a frequent visitor to our house in the months before she died. My mother really enjoyed him & he always made her smile & had a hug for her.
The day she died I had gone out to the grocery story - the first time I’d left the house in 2 days because I knew she was close to dying. She died while I was in line checking out - my husband called & told me. Later that day we left the house to deal with things.
When I returned & checked voicemail there was Jamie’s voice saying “I’m so sorry that Grandma Mary died, but she is in heaven.” He proceeded, in this beautiful voice to sign the entire song Amazing Grace. Most “normal” people wouldn’t have done something like that - but it was the most loving, caring thing & just what our family needed at that time. I cannot tell you how many times I listened to this young man, probably 15 at the time (not sure of his exact age) sing that song & tell me w/o saying so that he too loved my mom.
That is the type of love people know Down’s syndrome children for - unconditional love. Our world is better for people like Jamie and Trig - this world NEEDS what they have to give.
If you ever get the opportunity to share that photo here at FR, I would love to see it. Although to be honest I can see it in my minds eye as clear as day.
I was just about to post the comment from John T. Bissell but the tears prevented me from doing it sooner. Perhaps he gave others pause as the comments seem to have diminished.
Please share that photo with us if you are able to.