“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know,
and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown,
Faith is knowing that one of two things will happen:
There will be something solid to stand on or
You will be taught to fly.”
~ Patrick Overton

I have to admit, I am human and doubt my abilities to help children truly heal. Yes, it’s true. I too, wonder “Is any of this working?” There’s one story that I use as a visual to remind me anything is possible.

His name is David. His label is autism. I personally think his label is “angel”, because he brings such a beautiful message of miracle to the world and more. His smiles, his hugs, his humor. All while flapping his arms, spinning in circles, and screeching from time to time. His mother brought him to me when he was 2, he’s now 10 years old. I’ve seen David on and off during the years. From the outside, most would say nothing has changed. His label remains. After years of not seeing him, his mother returned due to dreams that I may help.

I do believe when a child walks through my door, there is always something I can offer, even if it’s not apparent to me. So we went back to the drawing table. Within a few months David walked up to a piece of paper at school and began writing his A, B, Cs in order! His letters weren’t perfect and he didn’t write all 26 in the alphabet, but he wrote a dozen or so and in the correct order. This is from a boy who doesn’t speak and has never written a word in his life! The mother gave me a copy of that piece of paper. It’s pinned up in front on my desk at work. I keep David’s alphabet there to remind me that though I doubt (I’m human), I must keep my faith that health and healing is possible for ALL children.

As a parent, keep the faith that your child someday, someway, somehow can heal. REAL health is possible for your child. You are their light, shining their way. Maybe you’re in total darkness. You can feel your way out. Hold a vision of your child’s perfect health. What does it look like? Do you have a picture of it? Put it up somewhere so you can see it, everyday, and multiple times per day. (The refrigerator door comes to mind!)

Obstacles, delays, dead-ends will occur on your journey to REAL health for your child. That’s life. Just don’t let go of your vision of perfect health for your child. Hold on to it. Protect it, especially when other’s stomp on it. It’s okay to curse it from time to time. Life is frustrating. The journey can be long. Just remember to come back and re-embrace your REAL health vision. Love it. Nurture it. Start again.

REAL health is possible. Miracles do happen, to you and those around you. Open your eyes and see them. None of us have perfect faith, I too doubt my vision of REAL health for all children. That’s okay. We’re human. If you can’t always see the road to REAL health, feel your way through it. Life will bring you beyond what you dreamed possible.

“Faith is knowing that one of two things will happen:
There will be something solid to stand on or
You will be taught to fly.”
~ Patrick Overton

David’s mother included a note when she shared his alphabet with me...
"See for yourself how you make all the difference in my son's life! Please don't ever doubt what you do for all the children you care for. I love you Dr. Sue." My faith is FAR from perfect. I should put her words up alongside David’s alphabet and read them aloud, so it can really sink in. Now that I think of it, I will. I truly want to help as many children as possible. David says I can, so be it.

Blessings to you and your family,

~ Dr. Sue