B.J.

Here is a picture of our sweet B.J. taken earlier this summer. We went on a drive to the beautiful Uinta Mountains, just 30 miles up the road.
When he was eight years old, he got viral encephalitis with resulting brain damage. He was in a coma for weeks at Primary Children's Medical Center. He was not expected to live, so we are very fortunate to have him with us. Since then, he has required special help.
He spends four hours a day at Bridges, (a program for Special Needs people). He works one hour each day straightening the shelves at Smiths, a grocery store near us. He also works about one hour a day at Arby's cleaning the tables. He has a job coach to help him. He loves humor and tells everyone jokes.
He has Seizures and Diabetes and is on medication to help keep those conditions under control. Despite this, he loves his life and is such a joy to be around. We are so grateful to have him in our lives.
Here is a poem that describes some of our feelings because our B.J. is truly one of Heaven's very special spirits.

Heaven's Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth
It's time again for another birth
Said the angel to the Lord above
This special child will need much love
His progress may be very slow
Accomplishments he may not show
And he'll require extra care
From the folks he meets down there
He may not run or laugh or play
His thoughts may seem quite far away
In many ways he won't adapt
And he'll be known as handicapped
So, let's be careful where he's sent
We want his life to be content
His parents won't realize right away
The leading role they are asked to play
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love
And soon they'll know the privileges given
In caring for their gift from heaven
Their precious charge so meek and mild
Is HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD.

Author unknown