“I made you and I’ll care for you, even when your hair is white with age." ~ Isaiah 46:4
Ronnie’s daily seizures from a
rare form of epilepsy delayed his cognitive and speaking abilities. Endless
medications, daily feeding tube nutrition, and an inability to move around
further complicated his social interactions.
The sleepy little boy woke up hard each morning. His Dad
should encourage the 7-year-old to walk down the stairs. It’s something they
work at in physical therapy. But with drowsy eyes and a weary heart, Joseph didn’t
want to start off the boy’s day with a difficult task. So, he carried him.
After breakfast, there’s dressing, teeth brushing, and off
to a school for kids with special needs. Later, Ronnie struggled down the
school bus’s three large steps, ever anxious to be home again. Joseph gave him
a loving hug and a reassuring word. Then Joseph carried him inside to play.
Ronnie had been directed and redirected, pushed and pulled
throughout the day. Even at dinner, they worked on table manners and holding
his utensils correctly. He’d had enough.
Storytime always brought welcome relief. With a stretch and
a yawn, Ronnie snuggled right into Joseph and fell asleep. So, Dad carried him
back upstairs.
“It looks a bit odd,” he admits.
“His feet dangle past my waist. He’s getting taller, and at 60 pounds now, it sometimes
hurts my back. But we’re determined to show Robbie cool places.”
To date, they’ve visited 13 states and 24 national parks.
Besides having enormous fun, the pair have also been a source
of inspiration for other parents with special-needs children. Robbie loves
exploring using “daddy’s legs.”
We all need someone to carry us to get us through the next
hard thing, to love us through our good, bad, and weak moments. “When he’s
reached his limit, I’m close to my own,” Joseph confided. “But when I carry
him, Ronnie somehow carries me, too."
Caroline watches her husband smile as he does it, never hesitating
or complaining. “I see the way strangers react to them on the trail,” she said.
“Initially, our goal was to show Robbie the world, I soon realized the world
also needed to see Robbie.”
And so too, our Heavenly Father carries us. Our problems and
circumstances are never too heavy for Him. We all get discouraged at times.
It’s part of being human but the Lord doesn’t let us go down the rabbit hole of
hopelessness. His hope pushes us forward.
Things get better. Things change. Things improve because He
carries those who abide in Him. Have courage. Stay strong. The Lord will carry
you and get you to the finish line.
Almighty Father, we take comfort that You
love us and promise to carry us when our legs fail and be with us till the end
of time. You’ve carried us this far. You are the Rock on which we stand. Amen
