When I was 11 I started reading books about special needs children and the family's that raised them. The Dale Evans & Roy Rogers family of adopted special needs children. I started planning on adopting one from that point forward. When I was proposed to by my first husband I told him of my adoption plans, he agreed, so I said yes. three years later my second child was born. A beautiful baby boy. It took the first few months to determine the reason for his slow development and it turned out that he has "a small brain defect that will cause him to develop slowly. His prognosis was vague. The doctors didn't really know how much he would accomplish in life. They told me that the early death of a child like my Jacob was usually from choking (he can't chew) or often they just tend to 'waste away' before the age of 20. Well, this was my answer to not needing to adopt, God prepared me early. Jacob has no self-help skills, no communication, no walk, no talk only a wiggle and a giggle! He is handsome, 4'10", 85 lbs and healthy in every way, but is Hemiplegic (not paralyzed, but no cognitive ability to balance or knowledge of how to use his arms and legs). At 39, he is still healthy, walks with assistance, knows how to use his arms and legs to help me dress and change him (diapers for 39 yrs!) and he can transfer from place to place like a pro. He is absolutely pure love. He knows nothing of the world's uglies... He has always lived with me, wouldn't have it any other way! He can eat anything I can smash, chop or dice to the consistency of oatmeal. He does not have seizures, or any major health issues. He is little so I, at 5'2", can move and even carry him. I am his paid Caregiver... I call it my 'mom money' because I am going to do the job anyway! I have some stories for children books that address special needs in a way that will open dialogue that helps us all understand that our "special needs" population are very helpful in teaching us all to be the best we can be because it is the way God meant for us to be. God saved me all the 'red tape' of adoption and my son is a blessing to be around to everyone. Why, because he is as close to being pure of heart and mind as anyone could ever be, he only knows Unconditional Love. He brightens my days of sadness, and his giggles are the most contagious little 'belly laughs" you could ever enjoy! Thank you Father for my special gift of love and for training me early as to how to do your work here on Earth. I am an active advocate for the rights of the Elderly and Disabled and the people that care for them at home. I am Blessed.