Love Beyond Measure

 

 

On the surface, one could look at this picture and see a traditional family; two parents, five children. The photograph is quite obviously an informal one, as there aren't any signs of matching clothing. All this is superficial. To fully experience this photograph, one must take a moment and go far beyond the superficial. That is where the real story unfolds.

 

This is my family. My father stands in the back, a very unassuming figure. Of average build and weight, nothing appears to be remarkable about him. It only takes one look in his face to see the kindness there. A smile spreads across his face, gently tilting down on the the left side. It lends him an air of mischievousness, and rightly so. Salt and pepper hair and reading glasses in his front pocket, he portrays his forty-eight years accurately. His right arms rests liesurely and lovingly on my mother, his wife of twenty-five years.

She is a woman of average height, wearing her customary denim skirt and modest top. The color of the top is a bright and cheery pink, very flattering with her graying black hair. Her sandals are the sensible ones that give support. She smiles easily at the camera, a customary expression for her, judging by the smile lines around her eyes. The glasses on her face are a current style, a definite upgrade from the old pair she wore. Overall, she looks like a mother, not drawing attention to herself, but giving all her time, energy and love into the family surrounding her.

My oldest brother Benjamin (Benjy), age 21, stands at the far left of the photo. He appears very confident and comfortable with himself. A dress shirt neatly tucked into a pair of dark jeans makes up his business casual look that he depends on every day. The usual blue colts cap is missing from his head, his matted hair being the telltale sign. Wire framed glasses somewhat hide his tired eyes, the only visible indication of his extreme work schedule. His beard grows coarsely and covers much of the lower half of his face. One arm hangs to his side loosely, and the other is wrapped around his girlfriend.

Brittany is easy going and fun to be around. Her wide smile and open face proves that point. Taller than all of the girls in my family, she is obviously the one that is not related. Light brown hair with a hint of red mingled in is in direct contrast to our family's deep brown hair. Yet, even though she could appear to the casual observer as the outsider, she blends well with our family. The family envelopes her, making her feel right at home. One hand rests on her hip, showing her spirit and determined attitude. After all, she was the one who helped convince Benjy that they were long overdue for a visit home.

Next in line of age would obviously be the girl in the deep pink ruffled shirt: me. I am seventeen and I do not appear any older than that. My looks are a strong mix of traits from my Mom and Dad. My body shape resembles that of my mom, as does my smile. From Dad I got the sparkle in my eye, giving the impression that I have a good sense of humor. The long, modest denim skirt adorning me is worn and faded. A cotton shirt shows that I care about looking nice, but also that I do not spend much money on clothing. I am playing with my hands, a habit I fall to when feeling self concious or impatient. My right arm rests on a teenage boy.

Perhaps someone with no previous experience with Down Syndrome would not take special notice of Isaac right away, but after another look anyone can see that he is not "normal." His eyes are the telltale almond shape of a person with Down Syndrome. The smile displayed on his face is tight and unnatural; he never has liked posing for pictures. Sport shorts, a construction yellow t-shirt and some knock-off brand of crocs complete the fifteen year old look. Three pens are perfectly placed in the shirt pocket, evenly spaced to the ever calculating eye of their owner. An outdated gray changepurse is clutched tightly in Isaac's hands, carrying the money he likes to use for his lunch. His arms and legs are kept carefully from anyone.

To his lower left the youngest leans awkwardly on the steps. Mary wears an orange shirt with black bermuda shorts. A bright and cheery smile serves as an accessory to her neon shirt. She inherited a very similar smile and overall look as I. Her dark brown hair is drawn back into a ponytail and, for extra measure, secured with a thick black headband. The freckles fanning out on her face could deceive the observer into thinking she were younger than her fourteen years. It is a face very deserving of the child with the baby of the family status.

We are joyful, connected, accepting, forgiving, and unconditionally loved...we are a true family. Though a picture may express a thousand words, no picture could capture the depth of the love my family has for one another. It goes beyond words that could be uttered in this world; perhaps in Heaven we will find the words to speak that can allow others to fully grasp the meaning of family.

 

 

 

Party Time!

It is birthday season around my house! 4 of the 6 people in my family living at home have their birthdays in September and October: Mom, Grandma, Isaac and I. I just have to say, I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!! Ask anyone in my family :)

 

Mom's birthday is September 30th, so this is a little late. For her birthday Mary, Isaac and I made dinner. For her birthday dinner she requested tacos with all the fixings, homemade taco shells (she made them...), and chips with salsa. I must say, they were really delicious!

 

 

The cooks!

 

 

Yum! For dessert Isaac and I made an extreme chocolate mocha cake. I found the recipe on Pinterest (where else?) and it was seriously the best. cake. ever. Also the messiest...

 

 

As gifts Mom got several fall decorations, a journal, measuring cups, soap from bath and body, money and cards. Her favorite season is Autumn, so we used that as a guide for what to buy her. If you are looking for cute fall decorations, look at Hobby Lobby! Their stuff is super cute and reasonably priced.

 

 

The next birthday is mine! My birthday was today :) I had a really fun day at the Feast of the Hunter's Moon (if you have never been, look it up!) and then with a party just a few hours ago with the fam. It feels so strange to be 18. As a friend texted me earlier, "welcome to being an adult for the rest of your life!" Somehow that thought really just made me wish that I had somehow savored childhood more!

 

I didn't get any pictures of dinner, but I chose meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit salad, and chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Once again...YUM! Mom made all of it and she did an amazing job of it too!

 

The collage above is all my gifts, as I am sure you figured out! Grandma gave me the two shirts in the top right corner that I have been eyeing for weeks at Target! The blue shirt has little birds all over it and a really cute belt. Mary gave me the silly gifts, as well as the $25 towards a laptop case. The silly glasses actually have a windup thing on the nose that moves the eyebrows and moustache automatically. Of course I look incredibly dignified when wearing them... Mom and Dad gave me a full KJV travel Bible and a pretty watch to wear on dressier occasions. I have been wanting a full travel Bible that had the old testament as well as the new testament, and this one is ADORABLE. They even got my name engraved on the cover! Isaac (in other words, Mom) got me two JJ Heller CDs. Since I drive to school 3 days a week I will really appreciate some new music to listen to!

 

Birthdays are really wonderful. They are such a great time to evaluate your life. Some things I want to do in this next year include reading the entire Bible in chronological order, keeping up with a journal, and growing in my walk with the Lord. Also, I really appreciated the love and support from others on this day. It is so neat to feel that love and to be able to give it back.

 

Blessings!