Tuesday, July 19, 2011

I introduce to you, our first Mission iPossible recipient ... iChrisopher

iChristopher


As if you didn't already KNOW.

But a tease is a tease, and sometimes that's what you have to do, build up to something and then...WHAMMO. Reveal the surprise.

As a parent with a child who has a disability, and a lot of difficulty with communication, and as a parent who was a part of this contest, I can tell you with some confidence that I am sure all of us, this group that I like to call 'The Forty', has a story. And I know in my heart that every story is unique, beautiful, heart-breaking, uplifting, terrifying, wonderful, and special.


What made Stephanie and Christopher's story leap out at me, and I can only speak for me, was what happened to them when they thought they were receiving their iPad from the original contest site. They got a real 'whammy-jammy' laid upon them by the alignment of their circumstances and the original giveaway, as explained by Stephanie in the comments section of Love That Max, one of the many blogs that covered the carnage.

'In our case, this has affected some of my son's treatment plan! We travel 300 miles for therapy services. He was getting Augmentative Communication therapy @ Rehab Institute of Chicago. We had originally decided to order something like a Dynavox computer for Christopher ($4000 - $10,000 depending on accessories). Now that would have been covered by insurance and would have taken the entire year limit for DME purchases. About that time we found that we were awarded the iPad. Our therapists were thrilled, because it was more versatile than a straight communication device. We made weekly appointments throughout the summer.



Every week, we would have to show up empty handed. Every week, our therapists were getting more and more frustrated - we were taking up appointment times for people who actually HAD devices to use. After last week when we had been told the iPads were mailed, then they weren't etc., our therapists said come back when you have the tools for therapy.

We are now at the bottom of a two year waiting list. So, even if it were to show up tomorrow - my son misses out. Not to mention, now we have to make a decision whether to cancel the order for the stander and gait trainer that we ordered, or decide to get a communication device. I also have a bunch of therapists who think I am some liar, stringing them along.'


That really struck a chord in a lot of people, myself included, and I know it resonated with Kara, who we talked about yesterday. It was mentioned in Mo's original post about the purchase of the iPad, I just edited it for purposes of keeping the identity hidden.

Mo's quotation from one of the Prayers of St. Francis yesterday summed it up perfectly, and I never thought that I, a man, a Catholic man, who has been struggling with my Faith for 20 years, would so willingly embrace one of the Prayers so...effortlessly.


But how can I not? The Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi (sometimes called the 'Peace Prayer' is actually quite beautiful, and as much as this may surprise you if you have been following me personally for two years, I'd like to share it with you here in its entirety. This is its English translation.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.



Does it get much better than that?

PEACE.

13 comments:

Lacey said...

I knew it was going to be Christopher! And rightfully so. His mom had big plans that were stomped by that heartless man. I cant wait to see what he can do with his new Ipad!

Stephanie said...

The smile on his face is priceless!!!! You do nice work :)

Becca said...

How wonderful!! I, too, was struck by Stephanie's story of how the iPad debacle affected them. Totally moved. I was angered by all of the people who said that it was a free iPad, and something they didn't have in the first place, something they didn't get anyway, so why are people complaining? Well, Stephanie and Christopher showed exactly what the until-now undelivered promise meant to them. I'm so happy for them right now!!

Unknown said...

I know that you have moved on past the negativity (which is a good thing) but I just wish there was something that could be done legally to the man that took money and lied to so many families. It seems like legally that would be against some law!

Ellen Seidman said...

Awesome, awesome, and...awesome.

Junior said...

Absolutely wonderful, so happy for this family.

The Annessa Family said...

Beautiful! This is what it's all about!!!

Brooke Annessa
www.TheAnnessaFamily.blogspot.com

R said...

Fantastic! Am thrilled for Christopher, and for his mama. He'll have such a good time with that now.

WELL DONE Mission iPossible crew. You are righting some big wrongs and I salute you for it.

Cammie Heflin said...

:)

EDS Warrior said...

I commend you for working so hard to make things right again.
My heart broke when I read Christopher's story on Love That Max and I am so pleased that he is the first to receive an ipossible ipad.
The special needs blogger community is a very special community indeed!!!

Anonymous said...

his smile on that sweet little face is wonderful!


Bluebelle

Jessica said...

I saw this article today, and was wondering if this was about the same iPad giveaway you mentioned on your blog.

http://sheposts.com/content/special-needs-blogging-community-deceived-by-one-of-their-own#comments

SECRET PEPPER PERSON: said...

Happy to hear this!