Lessons From Handicaps, Part 6:
My Sons
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matt 22:37-40 NIV)
Raising two sons with Autism has been the most difficult
challenge that I have ever faced in life. Watching them deal daily with their
handicaps and trying to help them in every way I can has at times been painful,
frustrating, and even heart-breaking. Through it all, though, I have gained more
wisdom about living than I could have ever imagined. My two sons have been my
teachers as well as my students on how to live and how to love. They have taught
me more than I could ever have learned on my own and they continue to show me
more each day.
I have learned from them that I am no better than anyone else in this world. I
may be able to do some things that they can’t, but their lives are just as
precious and just as valuable as mine. As I watch my oldest son be a friend to
everyone in his school and share his simple kindness with everyone he meets I am
warmed to the depths of my being. I know too that he has touched hearts and
brightened souls everyday of his life here with his gentle spirit and smiling
face.
I have learned too from them that we are all Children of God. We were all
created by the same loving hand. We are all souls in bodies sent here to choose
love, to share love, and to learn about love. When I look into my youngest son’s
shining eyes I can see that loving soul within. He may not be able to say more
than a few words, but his laughter, smiles, and hugs speak volumes. He may face
a lifetime of challenges, but he will still be teaching the world about love and
joy everyday of it.
Having these two sons has shown me just how much God loves us and just how much
God wants us to love each other. I try then to share my love and my joy everyday
with them, with my beautiful daughter, with my loving family, with my wonderful
friends, and with all of you special souls who read my simple words. I hope that
you all do the same.
Joseph J. Mazzella