Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Justin's Story

JUSTIN'S STORY 
Justin at six months of age
 
 Everyone's story here on earth begins with conception and ends with death.  Many people have asked about Justin's story.  Was he born this way?  Was it an accident?  Just what happened to make him so different.
 
Justin was born on January 6, 1995 and was perfect, but his story took an unexpected twist when he was four months old and had gotten his shots.  He had his first seizure that afternoon, but his doctor reassured me it was a breath holding spell.  When he continued to have  "breath holding spells" and his development was not on target, I asked the doctor about it.  I was told every child develops on their own schedule and not worry about it.  My instincts told me something was wrong, but I trusted the doctor and his diagnosis. 
 
 Then when Justin was thirteen months old, he suffered brain damage from a seizure that almost ended his life.  We later found out he had a reaction to the DTP shot and it caused his brain to swell.  They told me it was rare for that to happen, but it wasn't much consolation because my son was no longer the same.  Since that time, Justin has been labeled with a multi-seizure disorder, ADHD, mental retardation and sensory integration dysfunction.
 
He still struggles with his disabilities on a daily basis but he takes it all in stride and goes on with life.  If I could change things so it wouldn't be so difficult for him I would, but I love him just the way he is.  Even though his story has had some unexpected twists and turns, it is those circumstances that has made him into the person he is today.  

Thanks again for reading,
Angela :)
 
 


10 comments:

  1. Angela I know it has been a long road, but I have seen first hand how far Justin has come. And It is because of you. I know it has been so hard sometimes, but you have always helped Justin to try and reach his fullest potential.

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    1. Thank you for your words of encouragement. It hasn't been easy, but he is such a blessing.

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  2. Amazing children with special needs are just that still babies and although they r diff they r still blessings!

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    1. I agree....he has touched so many lives and it has been a blessing to be a part of it. Thanks for reading.

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  3. Thank you for sharing your story. He will be your greatest teacher. Learn from him; be grateful he is in your life. Please keep in touch.

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    1. Thanks for your comments....I have learned more from him than he will ever learn from me....he is a blessing and I thank God everyday for my family. You keep in touch as well.

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  4. Angela- sweet sister in the journey- if it were not for Jesus who keeps a record of every tear and bottles them with love- I don't know how we'd survive the hard parts of this life journey- and yet- our joy is in Him, who gives us strength to enjoy the beautiful "hidden" treasures that others would overlook. May God fill you will His love, patience, grace, and mercy- hugs

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    1. I'd never thought of the tears being bottled with love...what a beautiful thought. There are "hidden treasures" all around us, we just have to have the eyes to see. God bless. Hugs to you. Angela :)

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  5. There is always purpose and plan in each of our lives; what a touching story!
    Never question or doubt the Master when He gives us pebbles, it is up to us to turn these pebbles into blessings!
    God has a plan and purpose for Justin , I know He has blessed and touched many lives and will continue too do so through his life's journey down here on earth.
    My heart has been touched by reading "Justin's Story"
    God bless Justin & his family! may His hand of mercy always be on your lives!

    Love & Blessings
    Kathy J Snow

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    1. Kathy, I have been filled with doubt, but as we move along our journey in life, I am able to see and understand more. Thanks for reading Justin's story and for following.
      Hugs to you. Angela :)

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