Friday, October 16, 2009

Why 'Laughing with Angels'...

Twenty three years ago next month, I gave birth to our
sixth child, our second son. Little did we know that
life as we knew it was about to end, and a new
journey for our family would begin.


I took this portrait of Landon and I when he was three
weeks old. We didn't know at this point that our sweet son
had a condition known as Angelman Syndrome. Named
for the English pediatrician, Dr. Harry Angelman, that first
identified it in a few of his patients in his practice.

From the very beginning, my mother's intuition told me that
our son was very different than our other children as
babies. He was a poor feeder and had difficulty
eating and gaining weight. Our Dr. was concerned as well, and sent
us to specialists in Boise...but Landon's condition
remained a mystery.



This is our boy at about twelve months...when he finally
doubled his birth weight. Let me just say... this was a big deal
at our house!





When Landon was about four and a half, I met a mom at a
conference for parents of children with disabilities, and she asked about
Landon's condition. At this point he had been given a diagnosis
of developmental delay with unknown causes. When
this mom heard Landon's symptoms and behaviors, she said
that she had just read an article about a rare syndrome
that seemed to fit. She said that after she returned home from the
conference that she would send me the article.
I will never forget the day I read about Angelman Syndrome.
I finally could quit searching for a cause...for a reason...someone to tell
me what I needed to do to make this little boy's life better.
I won't go into detail here of the causes of the syndrome, as it is
mind boggling to explain...or the symptoms and
behaviors of this syndrome.
Google lists many sites that explain
the disorder and it's causes very well. Landon is considered
severely affected, as are about ten percent of
those diagnosed.
Landon with big sis, Haylee.
I could write volumes about the therapies and interventions,
but what I would really rather do, is write about
the amazing gift that this sweet son has been in our lives.
The joys we have experienced, have far outweighed the sorrows.
His sweetness of character has brightened our days and lifted the burdens
of his daily care.
This road we have traveled has been paved with beauty.
Yes, I went through my sad times...my angry at the Lord times.
The why mes...the why hims...the what ifs.
The maybe there's a cures... the maybe he'll grow out
of its, but I got through them and now can just appreciate the
gift that is Landon.






And boy, what a gift!






One of the hallmarks of the syndrome is the excessive laughter
exhibited by the children with the condition. Landon
used to laugh all the time as a baby. Seldom did he cry...but would
laugh until we were all laughing with him.

For a very long time I had wanted to write a book about
the experience of raising a child with Angelmans...as a kind of
therapy for me. With the passage of time however,
I find that I no longer need to write the story.

I had always planned to title the book 'Laughing with Angels'.

The other night I googled laughing with angels to see if my
blog was there and interestingly, a mother of a child with autism
has written a book titled 'Laughing with angels, dancing with butterflies'

How cool is that!



This is our Landon today.



And that is why the name of my blog is what it is. It is the story
of beauty and bliss and life with an angel!


98 comments:

Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic said...

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your son with fellow bloggers. God has blessed you with a beautiful life and your very own angel!
xo,
Cheryl

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

When I first came to your blog I looked up the syndrome because I had never heard of it before. How wonderful you have your precious son, your angel. Loved your telling of the story.

Stacey said...

What a beautiful post about your beautiful son. Thank you for sharing. God bless you and your family. Hugs!

Mary said...

June, this was a wonderful post. Maybe you remember that I too have a special needs daughter...she has neurological brain damage and is severly retarded. I did a post about her a while back. Our kids truly are blessings. I don't know if anyone other than parents of a special needs child can really understand that, but we have been blessed...we've been chosen by God to be the caretakers of His kids, and He has molded and refined us along the way. They are challenging, we can't deny that, but the rewards are greater than we could have imagined. Your beautiful son is God's special child...have you read that poem? I also posted that some time ago...its beautiful, and they are beautiful. When you count your blessings, I know he's at the top of the list.

Lots of hugs and kisses to you and Landon,

Mary

jade said...

Oh June,
i can´t say any word because of crying.......i send all my love to you and your sweet angel!!!! What a wonderful post.........you´r an angel too!!!!!!

A lot of kisses to you an your lovely Landon, Hugs Jade

We also pray for gods help, because of problems with the unborn grandcilds.........my english is not good enough to tell you more

sherry said...

Beautifully shared. :o)

jAne at tickleberry farm

Debra@CommonGround said...

What a blessing you are, June, to all of us who know you thru this wonderful thing called blogging. You brighten my day with your flowers and your humor. Thank you for your honesty as well. I know you are a wonderful mom to a wonderful young man, (and your other children, as well) Happy Birthday in advance to your son. The portrait is beautiful!
I'm just starting an online Bible Study, just introduced it. come by when you can.
Hugs and love, Debra

Jessica Rodarte said...

What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it.

My name is Riet said...

Thank you for telling your story. I have tears in my eyes and I think you are the most wonderful person I have ever met.
Riet.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

Thank you June for sharing your beautiful story with us. You are blessed to have such a wonderful precious son.

Jeanne x

Weißer Vintagezauber said...

Darling June,
I read your post and am stirred to tears.
You are an absolute strong and quite a hearty person for me. I would wish it there would be more such angels like you. Press also Landon completely warmly from me.
The favourite greetings and would be embraced,
Elke.

joanne said...

'life with an angel'...quite possibly the most beautiful sentence I have ever read. You truly are a blessing June, and blessed beyond measure. I love that you have dedicated your life to him and your family. I am so proud to have you as a friend. Now we just need to figure out a way to meet!! Take care sweet June...

The Green Pea said...

June, thank you for sharing your story about Landon with us. God Bless your family. sandi

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh June. Thank you so much for sharing your story......and what a happy story it is. You have been through a lot, obviously, but all I got out of your words was happiness. I commend you and your family for your bravery and commitment to your preious son and wish you all many years of happiness ahead. Sending you all my love. XXXX

Candy said...

You snatched some perfect moments from the family album to share. Each one has a heavenly feeling. The first one, beautiful mom then sweet baby on the scale...A WINNER! Can just see you all doing the happy dance around him.
Then his sweet adoring sister and Landon taking time to 'taste' the daises. (had me laughing at that one)
And next, in the woods sitting on a fallen tree...looking toward heaven and laughing.I sense he and his heavenly Father sharing a special moment.
Warm and loving hugs coming his way from bloggerville. HUG HIM FOR US! and thanks and hugs to you for sharing your story. May the Lord continue to shower blessings on your wonderful family.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY--SOON--LANDON!!!

Sweet Old Vintage said...

Touching..... Blessings to you and your family.....

Julie Marie said...

Oh June, what a beautiful story about your sweet little angel... I have always loved the name of your blog and knew why you named it this... he is indeed an angel and a blessing to all of us... thank you for sharing such a personal part of your lives with us... love to you and Landon... Bisous... Julie Marie

Sharon's Cottage Quilts said...

Sweet June, thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us. Just looking at him laughing made me smile!
Blessings~Sharon

Lori said...

June, i think you answered your own question...why you...because you were the best person to be a wonderful and loving mother to your angel...thanks for sharing yours and Landon's story June...you both really touched my heart this morning

Anonymous said...

You see June.... I just knew you were the Sweetest soul!!
My Love to You ...
Marilyn

Donna Reyne' said...

We all know that the Lord works in very mysterious ways...He has blessed your life with the gift of your precious son,Landon...And you...bless the lives of all you come in contact with.
I am always blessed after I have stopped by your wonderful blog...thank you for sharing this morning...donna

maría cecilia said...

Oh June, I´m so happy you are sharing your beautiful and lovely Landon angel with us, finally I met him and I just Loved him. Your strenght and insights are so inspiring to me, so welcome to my world and life. A big big thanks to you.
Hugs
María Cecilia

Anonymous said...

I originally discovered your blog when I found White Wednesday...I am deeply touched by your story and thankful that I found your blog. You put life in perspective....thank you.

Abby:)

Connie said...

He's beautiful and you're beautiful for sharing this story, sugar.
xoxoxoxo for Landon,
Connie

Anonymous said...

June, your pictures and words are so touching...you can see the love both in the subjects and in the soulful heart of the photographer as well. Beautiful, beautiful post-
Many blessings to you and your sweet family-
Laura

Deb said...

What a beautiful post & story of how your sweet Landon inspired the name of your gorgeous blog! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story ♥

Unknown said...

Oh June, thank you so much for sharing Landon's story with us! I love his name too :) He is absolutely beautiful and such a blessing. You are a beautiful mom and so inspiring!!
Love and Hugs,
Amy

PA said...

a beautifully written post :) sending Landon an early Happy Birthday wish!

Carole said...

June....you are both angels. So glad you shared this story. I know this was a difficult thing to go thru but you have come out of it with a beautiful and happy child. There is a joy in you that I only sense from a few in blogland and now I know where this inner beauty and happiness comes from.
Landon!!!!!and your endless love for him!
BIG HUGS!!!!
Carole

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful son. They say that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. When he blessed you with the gift of Landon, he knew that you would only give your best in return. Angels do come in all shapes and sizes and there's more than one in your little corner of the world! :) Peace and blessings, Tammy

Sandi said...

Oh June thank you so much for sharing Landon with us! I can tell that he is a very sweet soul! God gave him to you because He knew you would be the best mother ever for him. Sweet prayers and love sent your way!
Blessings~

maryboys said...

this is a loving and very touching story, june. sincere thanks for sharing this, and for the wonderful photos, too...

mary

Anne said...

What a heartfelt story. Thanks for sharing your family's story with us. I love how your found peace and joy. What an inspiration you are to all us moms. What a beautiful post. Best wishes to you and your family.

Carole said...

June, what a story, what a life, so much love and happyness.
You're so beautiful. Landon is your gift but you are his too. You both are angels.
Take care
Best wishes from Paris /France
Carole

Vicki said...

June,
I always knew you were a special lady and now I know more than ever that you are! Thank you for sharing the story of Landon, your angel. I wish you, Landon and your entire family much more love and laughter! Blessings, dear friend! Vicki

The French Bear said...

I think you could still write about Landon, maybe a screenplay! I am sure Oprah would love to tell his story.
I am so touched by how strong and loving you are, I am in awe of the wisdom you impart in your posts and the compassion you exude. You are a remarkable person. I am so happy that we have met through blogging. I know June, that when you are ready to write, I will stand in any lineup or face any crowd to get to read it!!!!
Landon may have this disease that makes him laugh, but his heart is filled with joy because of his wonderful sweet MOM...... love is shining through....
Thank you,Margaret B

One Shabby Old House said...

Dear June,
What a beautiful and touching story. I could tell from the beginning when I first found your blog that you were definately a very special lady. How could you not be with an angel living with you and around your all the time.
When I was growing up I remember my mother reading to us about Dale Evan's (Roy Rogers) little girl who had Down's syndroym. The picture of her was much like a little angel. That story helped this, although then, little girl's mind embrace special needs children. They were all angels to me from then on. Maybe you should write your book. You just never know how far reaching your laughing with angels life may touch.
Why just look what it did here in blogland.
Hugs hugs and big hugs,
becky

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Hi my Friend. Our hearts are connected in so many different ways. Our Style, our hobbies, our passions in this life. The one that is truly important to me is, that we are mothers, we have both had the honor and intimacy (if you will) of being co/partners with God in bringing his children to this earth. These children are all different, they have different gifts and struggles. We as mothers, are given the priviledge of raising these choice spirits, so they can become the men and women they are ment to become.

Your son and my daughter are two of the choicest children of God our Father.

You are a beautiful and most loving mother. That is truely the most important role we play.

cindy@stitches

Unknown said...

June...Thank you so much for sharing the story of your beautiful son. Though I certainly don't know you other than through our blogs, I (swear) always sensed that you were a kind hearted loving person. There was just something in the sweet comments that you always make and your posts. Now I know why. God has blessed you in a wonderful way.
Denise

WIZARD OF ONCE WAS "WooW" said...

June,
I read you beautiful story last night, but was way to tired to make any kind of comment...not that I'm any better today... Ha Ha..You've touched my heart so very much with your love and strength and commitment to your family. I truly admire you.
My Very Best
Gale

Cynthia K. said...

June - I'm reminded of the scripture from the Bible that says something like this: You may have to walk through the fire, but you will come out of it unburned, and not even smelling of smoke. You have come out of it in this very way. Not even a whiff of self-pity or shame - just honoring the Lord and your son. Makes me think your husband must be very special too...

Cynthia K. (Beauty and Blessings)

Jane said...

June,
Thank you for sharing that beautiful story. Happy (early) birthday to your handsome son!
Jane

Diane said...

What an incredible story. The gift of laughter from an angel. Happy birthday to Landon.

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

Buonasera June,
I haven't had time to check blogs and your blog especially until after dinner while I'm talking to My Deano and Christie about you. Christie asked why Laughing with Angels...and there it was your post. What an angel, and I want to also thank you for the wonderful words on Canela's blog too. Ciao Rita

Gypsy Purple said...

Thank you soooo much for sharing your story!!!!

Wren Cottage said...

Oh June... I adored the name of your blog the minute I cane across it and now I love it even more!
Thank you so much for sharing the meaning and the hearts behind the name.
Happy Birthday to your angel, Landon and continued blessings to you all!
XOX ~ Madai

BELLE BLANC said...

Dear June, this is the most personal post I ever read in my life in blogland. It was so touching to read your words full of love for your dear son. On any single picture you added Landon looks happy and loved. He is a lucky one to have a mother like you are, and you are blessed with a great son. I send you kisses, hugs and blessings, with love Mira!

a Bohemian Market said...

Hi June:
You wrote this post and I am still crying; not sad but tears of a Mom understanding another Mom's love of her child. I love Idaho; I remember visiting there as a young child and the Snake River. What a great life for your children.
I like the photo of him licking the Dandelion : )
And he is still smiling!!! How great is that?
Thank you!!!
Warmly
carole

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Okay June, everyone above me has said everything that I wanted to tell you. Such beautiful comments for a sincerely beautiful post. Just in case it hasn't sunk in yet, I'll tell you again. You are an Angel and in return, God has sent you one of his Angels ~ Landon, so that you can lovingly take care of him while God is taking care of the rest.
I am so admiring you two!
everything vintage

Unknown said...

Oh June....thanks so much for sharing your story with us. God picked you to be his mother....you are so special. I love that picture of him licking the dandelion....just too precious. You have such a beautiful spirit and outlook on life....what a blessing you are and have been to so many people!

Gayle said...

June,
I always come to your blog expecting beauty, grace and everything lovely. And today I have found just that, in abundance! What an exceptional sweet, wonderful child you were blessed and entrusted with. I believe that these beautiful children come from God into special homes like yours where they are loved and they in turn teach US how to TRULY love.
I wasn't able to have children, so I had a different why me, why this, why that., but I understand
those initial feelings, just for a different reason.
What a beautiful boy you have in Landon, and what a gift you've been given, and what a gift you are to him.
You are such a sweetheart and I appreciate your open heart and spirit.
:0)
Gayle

LiLi M. said...

Your post is beyond beautiful June, and I am sure that no one can read it without tears in their eyes. When I 'met' you for the first time, I googled Angelman Syndrome and I was so touched by what I read in your blog then, as I am now. You know that I can totally relate to the fact that you are so happy with your son, just because he is so special. He has learned you so much and taught you to see the real important things in life. I do hope that you will always be this happy together. Thanks for your wisdom, hugs LiLi

Draffin Bears said...

Dear June,

When I first started reading your blog I knew that you were such a special and caring Lady.
I loved hearing your lovely story about Landon and the photos you shared are precious and beautiful.
Thanks for sharing and I want to wish Landon a happy birthday and blessings to you all.

Hugs
Carolyn

Rebecca said...

Hello June
I am glad to be back home and I can see I missed some very wonderful posts - so I am trying to catch up but it will be a slow process,
I love this post about your beautiful son and I especially love how you have worked through the prcious gift that he is, it is a process that my daughter is working through but as a grandmother I have the luxury of just enjoying how magnificent each and every one of them are. I have always had a problem with the response of
"I am sorry" when someone hears of my twins I understand how they would think that because they do not know the joys of who they are. Thank you June for sharing your very precious story
Blessings
Rebecca

Unknown said...

Great post mom. Thanks for being you. I love ya.

Em

I was crying too!

A Fanciful Life said...

Hi June,
What a beautiful post you have written. And the photos to go along with it are beautiful too. I have some appreciation for your story as my sister Tina is developmentally disabled and has lived with me for many years. Your story is so special.
Hugs,
Sharon :-)

Paris Rags Romance said...

June, this was so touching, I love the photo of you both just breathtaking,your an amazing Mom. I so admire you.... hugs to you and Landon :)

oldgreymare said...

Thy soul was like a star, and dwelt apart;
Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea:
Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free,
So didst thou travel on life's common way,
In cheerful godliness.

William Wordsworth

blessings Landon blessings June

Suzan

Muggensteekjes said...

Dear dear June,
this story moved me to tears, you are so special and your beautiful angel too.Cherish every moment with your son and I love the photo's you have shared with us.
dearest hugs for you and Landon, Ingrid.

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

What a beautiful post, June. I knew you were special from the first time I read your blog. Hugs to you and sweet Landon...

blushing rose said...

God picks special people with special love for special missions in life ... how blessed you both are.

The pictures you selected to share radiate love & joy, June.

TY for sharing ... Hugs of love amongst the tears, Marydon

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

What a beautiful, special, heartfelt story about you and your son Landen. I'm sure it was tough at the beginning, but God knew that you would be the one to love him with everything you got, and you both would bring joy to one another. Your right he is a Gift! Sometimes we think we have it all figured out on how we're going to spend our lives here on earth, until the Lord shows us the way. June you are and awesome woman and mother and it shows- you are Blessed! By the way the photos of Laden are wonderful.

Much love to you my friend-

Unknown said...

This is such a beautiful and touching post June. I loved seeing photos of Landon as he grew. What an angel he really seems to be and how blessed you have been by God to have him in your life and how he is to have you for his mother ;)

The Victorian Parlor said...

June,

This is absolutely beautiful. I have had the priveledge of working with two children over the past 11 years with Angelman's Syndrome. They are truly loving, wonderful kids. Everyone who knows them loves them. What an incredible story and gorgeous photos! There is no doubt in my mind that God blessed this angel with angels of his own in your family. It takes very special parents to deserve very special children.

Blessings,

Kim

Peonies & Magnolias said...

Thank you for sharing your very beautiful and personal story about Landen. God made sure he had special parents to take care of and cherish him. Y'all are an inspiration to all parents. I so enjoyed seeing his pictures growing up.

Sandy

Holly Loves Art said...

Dearest June,
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing and heartfelt story with all of us. You are a beautiful writer and the love for your special angel just poured out through your words. YOU are truly blessed.
All my best,
Holly

sweetpea said...

June, you are absolutely inspiring to me...Landon is as blessed as you are...What a wonderful mommy he has...

Hugs,

Shelley

Ana said...

Hi June,
Blessed is your sweet angel son to have such a wonderful, patient, loving, caring, sweet and beautiful angel of a mother. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Sending tons of love your way. Blessings to you and all of yours.

Warm Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Hi June,
What an amazing family, and special gift you have in Landon. Your pictures are absolutely beautiful.....thank you so much June for sharing the wonderful story about your family.
Happy day.
xojanis

Anonymous said...

Oh June this is such a precious blog entry. What a testimony of your precious heart and love for your God- So many get bitter and angry and hard hearted when the sorrows of life come their way. You embraced it as a gift from God and look at how you have blessed so many and your own sweet angel. Picture after picture of sweet Landon brought such joy to my heart to see pure, innocent, joy- I have always said that I believe those with disabilities like these seem so very Jesus like- so loving and accepting - so very beautiful.

Thank you for sharing

blessings
mary

Rebecca Nelson said...

Dear JunieGirl...

The story of your journey through life with Landon has so blessed me. I can't even begin to tell you how much your words have inspired me to press onward. If you can be strong in the face of what seemed like adversity...well then...so can I.

I'm constantly reminded of God's grace when I read stories of children with disabilities and the parents that love them through it. One thing I'm certain of...God chose YOU to be Landon's Mother. Who knows the reasons...maybe it's because He alone knew you'd be EVERYTHING Landon needed a Momma to be, and MORE!

Yes...He indeed chose you.

I'm so blessed to know you.

Love from my heart~

Rebecca

Cindy said...

This is such a touching post June! Landon is lucky you are his mom! He has such a wonderful smile!

Our sons are really close to the same age, mine will be 23 in December.

Unknown said...

Well God bless you June, you are truly a special person! You have the ability to see the beauty and joy in things that others would completely miss! I have no doubt that God chose this special boy just for you...and He did so to bless and reward your life!

:) T

koralee said...

What a Gift and a Blessing your sweet son is...your words touched my heart!

The Pink Birdhouse said...

June, your posts are always a pleasure to read, but this one even more so, because it was so very much from the heart. You opened up your family photo album to the rest of us, opened up your heart and your feelings and published them for all of us to read. I am touched beyond words at your story, the love as a mother that you shared with us, and I know in my heart that Landon Laughs with Angels because he has an angel for a mother!! You are so loving and patient, and I can not imagine a bad bone in your body!! How lucky your son is, to be so loved by such a caring wonderful mother! You should still write that book!!!!! You have the gift of words, my friend, and your story should be shared. think about it. hugs from afar, Debby

Monica said...

June,
thank you for sharing this with us. Your pictures are sweet and precious, and so is your son!
I see how life could be tough for you, but God is Good and I am continually in awe of the immense Love He has for us and for He always cares for us!
Blessings,
Monica.

Pear tree cottage! said...

Hello June, this is my very first time at your blog page and what a treasure it is and what a pleasure it is to be here.

Your beautiful son Landon has touched my heart and I am sure that he touches hearts all around the world. What a wonderful month to have a birthday November is special in our home too.


Angel wings hugs from Australia. Lee-Ann

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

Hi I hope you see this comment. I am getting worried, have you received my pkg yet? It's been sent, I promise.

I have been so caught up in everything else I completely forgot my Daughter (Casey Collett's) birthday. Oct. 14. She would have been 31. I'm going to do a little post for her Thursday. Come see.

cindy@stitches

Tracey McBride ~ Frugal Luxuries® said...

Oh yes...such a bittersweet story...but made incredibly beautiful by the character and love of the writer...it cannot help but nourish the spirit of all who are privileged to read it.

Thank you.

Warmly,
Tracey
xox

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

What a precious story. I'm so glad you shared it. What a delight to hear your baby's laughter alll of the time. How lucky Landon is to have been gifted to such a loving family.

Hugs, Sweet one...

Spencer

Rumour has it said...

These angels are the light of the world! Thank God they are here to tell us how to live, to love, to laugh! For me they show so deeply Gods incredible love, maybe hard to understand, but not for someone who believes in Him.
Thank you for this beautiful story, June!
Love, Marjolijn

a Pocket Angel said...

June, How your beautiful post has touched my heart. I am finding it a bit hard to type as the tears are streaming down my cheeks.
Your dear son Landon's smile reminds me of my daughter Nikki's smile..she was my special needs child.
How beautiful your son is!!!
I can relate to therapies and interventions. I understand what you, your family, and Landon must have gone through.
Yes your son Landon is a gift.
Thanks so much for sharing him with us!
Blessings to you, Landon.... and my Nikki who's now "Laughing with the Angles".
~Mary~
PS Your blog is gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

From one Angel mom to another, thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting this. Landon and all the Angels out there are truly a blessing in disguise.
Miranda, Arkansas

Moments of Grace said...

June,
Only God would know how much I enjoy your blog. I have been known to read them over and over and to never grow weary of your words and photos.
To see how your son has blessed your life and how much love he has brought to your heart is so very touching. He is obviously a gentle spirit that God has allowed to linger in your life to comfort you and make you smile. He is beautiful.
Isn't it amazing how God takes a situation that seems so devastating and so painful and turns it into a blessing for which we cannot find the words to describe. The goodness of our God is so past our weak human efforts and, yet, it is the weakness of our humanity that draws Him near. You have a lovely angel of the Lord and I am sure you know you are blessed to have him for a son.
May God's richest blessings come to you, my friend. You are precious in His sight and in mine.

In Grace,
Marie

Seawashed said...

He is truly a treasure<3

I will have to go read about it, because I have a very close friend whom has a son almost the same age with very similar description. The Doctor's have never been able to say what he has. He also laughs alot, is very happy, a bit shy, and does get scared if he's not in familiar surroundings. He's a sweet sweet blessing.

The Flying Bee said...

Hi June!

I have been meaning to come by for a while now and I popped in a couple of quick times, but never gave myself enough time to really read and absorb everything. First, your blog is gorgeous! I love all your white treasures. Second, when I saw this post, I was so moved. I got so emotional reading about your son. He is beautiful! I have a son with Autism and I went through some of the same thoughts that you talked about. The why's...why him, why me? To this day, I still feel unequipped to me his mom. I wonder what God sees in me to send me my beautiful boy? Our children are blessings and a gift from God, that much I do know! Thank you for sharing your story. I look forward to reading more of your great blog!

Blessings,
Adrienne

BellaRosa said...

June Amor, on my post about my daughter you said "motherhood is a great art" and that I am an artist...you amor are one of the masters that I love to visit..learn from..and strive to emulate. Thank you for sharing all the wonderful pictures of your gorgeous children and the beautiful story of your son Landon...reading it, I can imagine hearing the love you have for all your children in my hearts eye. June amor, you truly do laugh with the Angels. besos, Rose

Kate said...

June,
Your post touched my heart so very deeply. How beautiful and precious to see how life has blessed you with this angel. Thank you for sharing a part of your heart with all of us.

Hugs
Kate

vosgesparis said...

I am so touched by your beautiful story of that beautiful boy Landon is....

Heather ~Pretty Petals said...

June, your story has touched me so much... what a beautiful son you have AND what a beautiful loving Mother you are. There is no doubt God has carefully chosen you and your son to teach us all something special. I LOVE your blog name... that is an amazing story about you not knowing what was wrong at first. That must have been SO hard for you!

Thanks for sharing your heart with us and your beautiful boy! Lots of love to you both. xoxo Heather

Blondie's Journal said...

I am so sorry that I am late, June, but I couldn't get a connection at the lake. Your story is beautiful and poignant and I felt tears welling up in my eyes as I read it. Landon was a precious baby and is a handsome adult. I do not know much about the condition but I am going to look it up.

You are a brave, stong and sweet woman. You yourself possess all the qualities of an angel!

xoxo
Jane

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Hi June,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of Landon and your family. You are a lovely and gracious soul and your dear son and the rest of your children are so fortunate to call you Mother. Thank you for all the inspiration you provide here. I am so happy to know you through our blogs.
Take care, Laura

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Only a chosen few have the love and ability to raise a child with the endurance and understanding for which you have been blessed.
You are special to have the gift of such a wonderful son and all the joy (yes and heartache) he has brought to your lives...
Susan

Mary H said...

~June~I so enjoyed reading about your son's life journey and how your family all are so close. That is a special bond. Thank you so much for sharing Landon with us and truly KNOW his birthday was special with those that are special to him in it!
Hugs to all...Mary H.
P.S. I LOVE your blog! Keep up the great thoughts and sharing all you love with all of us!!

English Cottage in Georgia said...

June, thank you for sharing your beautiful and inspirational story of your journey with Landon, your son.
It helps to know that other Mother's are in similiar circumstances as mine. I have a daughter with a disease which I knew nothing about. With myotonic muscular dystrophy, Sara has the opposite symptom to your son's laughter. Sara has weak facial muscles and has difficulty smiling and speaking.
You are an inspiration!

Betty said...

What a touching and moving post. I am visiting from A Bohemian Market and am as touched as Carole was at your story.

The Scrappy Cottage said...

Such a beautiful writen post, and what love you have. I am sure you have inspired many....

Sue Leonard said...

It has been said that we all have angels in our lives, and in your case, you have been twice blessed. The best part is you fully understand and appreciate the gift you have been given. There is great beauty in that realization and in your son. Thanks for sharing your fulfilling story with others through this beautiful blog.