Thinking of Those Special Few
A friend of mine told me a story of a mentally challenged nephew who passed away. She missed him dearly because, in his simplicity and sheer joy of life, he brought immeasurable goodness and love to his family and all those fortunate to have met him. Her story caused me to reflect on all of those special ones that I have met throughout my life.
There are those around us who depend on the care of society in general, and on us specifically.
I have learned major “life lessons” from these wonderful people.
In our awkwardness and political correctness, we refer to them as the “challenged”. In fact it is us who are challenged.
We are challenged to pay attention to the lessons of love that they have to teach us. I came across a sweet story that I’d like to share. For all of you who have a special person in their lives, or perhaps have lost one, I hope this story gives you a measure of peace.
A man arrives in heaven and St. Peter is giving him a tour. They come to an area where spiritual entities are assembled.
The man asks, “Who are these beings?” St. Peter replies, “These are souls waiting to enter newborns on earth.”
Later on they come across a much smaller group. This group is bursting with excitement. The man asked, “Why are these spirits so much more joyful?”
St. Peter said, “These ones have been told that they will are going to newborns who will have physical and mental challenges.” “How can that possibly make the spirits happy?” said the man.
St. Peter answered, “They are excited because their role will be to teach others how to love.”