Our son Ruel was born in Manila,
Philippines on August 16, 1987.
A special needs baby who was left an
orphan when his birth mother abandoned him at the hospital. She left
behind the most incredible, wonderful gift for me and Ralph. I held
my little angel for the first time on October 13, 1989 at the
orphanage where he had spent the first
26 months of his life. Now that 25 years have passed since that day,
we reflect on what an amazing journey it has been. We have been so
blessed. From the day in 1988 that we first walked into Hand In
Hand, they were caring, compassionate and supportive. I remember
MaryLee saying Hand In Hand is here to serve the child; meeting their
needs and finding the very best family for them. Hand In Hand was
there guiding us through the adoption process and the emotional
rollercoaster that comes with it. As new parents, we were so
nervous. Hand In Hand was there to support us and help us adjust to
our new parenting roles. They were also there to laugh when we told
our exasperating stories: As a toddler, Ruel taking off all his
clothes, filling the washer, and washing them along with Dad's tools,
salt and pepper shakers and rugs. Or the time Ruel pushed the
emergency stop button on the escalator full of people at the
department store. And the time Ruel pulled the fire alarm at Dad's
work, evacuating a four story building and the fire truck arriving.
Funny now, not so much back then! Ruel graduated high school and is
a caring, loving, respected adult now. We are so very proud of him
and so fortunate that we get to be his Mom and Dad. Ruel cooks for
himself, takes care of his daily needs, helps around the house and is
a dedicated football fan! Yes, he will always need special help
throughout his life, but what amazing gifts he gives with his sense
of humor, incredible smile and caring personality.
Thank
you, MaryLee and the entire Hand In Hand Family for 40 years of
dedication to these precious children. We are forever grateful and
pray for all the children waiting that they will soon feel the warmth
of loving arms wrapped around them by parents to call their own. For
this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me what I asked him. 1
Samuel 1:27We were told that our
son may not live very long, and he needed a loving home "despite"
his handicaps. We are the ones who are blessed with him. As only the
parents of special needs children know, the day-to-day little things
that most of us take for granted are a monumental, if not impossible
sometimes, tasks for our children to do. I firmly believe that it is
not "how far" one goes in life, but the obstacles that they
must overcome to get where they are that is important. Ruel has
overcome so much and is a caring, loving, respected adult now. I am
so very proud of him and so fortunate that I get to be his Mom the
first 26 months of his life. He weighed only 16 pounds at 2 yrs old.
As he turns 22 years old, I reflect on what an amazing journey it has
been. We were told that our son may not live very long, and he needed
a loving home "despite" his handicaps. We are the ones who
are blessed with him. As only the parents of special needs children
know, the day-to-day little things that most of us take for granted
are a monumental, if not impossible sometimes, tasks for our children
to do. I firmly believe that it is not "how far" one goes
in life, but the obstacles that they must overcome to get where they
are that is important. Ruel has overcome so much and is a caring,
loving, respected adult now. I am so very proud of him and so
fortunate that I get to be his Mom. Three years ago, we almost lost
him. We stood next to his hospital bed as he seized for 23 hours
straight and nothing helped. The most horrific feeling to know that
you might lose your baby, but being the tough fighter he is, he made
it. Ruel cooks for himself, takes care of his daily needs, helps
around the house and is a great football fan! Yes, he will always
need special help throughout his life, but what amazing gifts he
gives with his sense of humor, incredible smile and caring
personality. Happy Birthday, Ruel and thanks for letting me be your
Mom! I Love You!
Ralph, Carolyn
and Ruel
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