Sunday, November 27, 2011

Texas Friends

While we were in Texas we were showered with love from our Family. I think the total of people that came to see us over the weekend was 50ish.... talk about feeling loved! We were blessed to not only spend time with our wonderful family but we had a chance to spend time with some special friends. My first friend was Rochelle. We met and bonded over our common beliefs and special boys through the internet. I saw THIS VIDEO and was touched. We have since become blogging and email buddies. She fell in love with Bubba and his smile and I fell for her sweet boys as well. It was so fun to have all three of our special boys together!!! I am so grateful for Rochelle and her friendship!!
Aren't these just the three most handsome young men you have ever seen??

We met our next friends on our last trip to Texas. I have been friends with this sweet family for a while through our TTD support group. It is always comforting to have friends that you can complain, gripe, and discuss medical stuff with that truly gets it. The last time we were in Texas Bubba was not with us so they did not have the chance to meet him.   So, as soon as I told them that we would all be in town they asked when and where we could meet up! :) I am truly grateful for their friendship and support.
Speaking of friends I wanted to share with you a special experience I had today at church. In Primary {the children's sunday school} they are learning that they can Show their love to Jesus Christ by being kind and friends with everyone no matter their differences. I was asked to speak to the children about how they can be a friend to Bubba and other special boys and girls. All of the teachers sang the song I will walk with you......
If you don’t walk as most people do,
Some people walk away from you,
But I won’t! I won’t!
If you don’t talk as most people do,
Some people talk and laugh at you,
But I won’t! I won’t!
I’ll walk with you. I’ll talk with you.
That’s how I’ll show my love for you.
Jesus walked away from none.
He gave his love to ev’ryone.
So I will! I will!
Jesus blessed all he could see,
Then turned and said, “Come, follow me.”
And I will! I will!
I will! I will!
I’ll walk with you. I’ll talk with you.
That’s how I’ll show my love for you.
After we all sang this BEAUTIFUL song I was able to share with them how Bubba loves roller coasters, bowling, and playing with friends just like they do. I talked for a little bit and then asked them what they can do to be friends to Bubba and those like him. Regan was the first to raise her hand.... "we can say hi to him and be his friend!" then there were several other comments. The last one was from a friend of ours she said "you can yell at him!!!!" I couldn't help but laugh. She knows Bubba VERY well and knows that he can't hear well and LOVES it when you YELL at him. I then had to go on and explain that maybe they shouldn't do that one at church. ;) I am grateful to see the love of Christ in these sweet children and their desire to love everyone. Now, let's see if next weeks church service is interrupted with a "HI BUBBBBBBAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" WINK!


4 comments:

Rachel said...

Wonderful that you have such amazing friends!

And I'm cracking up at the yelling thing... because that happened a lot at my house/school/church too! hee hee!

Susan said...

Such an uplifting post! Sometimes you have to TEACH others what to do when they encounter someone different from themselves because they feel some confusion about what level of involvement they should have. It's an important, life-changing lesson, so kudos to you for teaching compassion and acceptance and connection in a gentle way. Children are a most receptive audience.

Karen Hayes said...

Julie...I had to laugh! Such a small world sometimes. Rochelle and her family sat in front of us when we went to Church with our son, Aaron and his family a couple of weeks ago. They are in the same ward. You are so blessed to have so many good friends...and you are a blessing to anyone who knows you. Squeezes! Karen Hayes

Rochelleht said...

How fun to see these cute pictures! I hope you don't mind if I steal them. It was SO fun to see your family and Bubba! Love that little boy!!!