Aaron

Yesterday was Aaron's 10th birthday. Can I just say how much I absolutely LOVE this kid!! He is AMAZING! So here's the story of my little love story with Aaron. I got a job as an intern with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (which is another God story) in the summer of 05 out in Fairfax, VA. I had absolutely no clue what I was getting myself in to. FCA set me up with a family that was willing to host me for the summer. That family's name is the Cole's. Rich, Karen, Richard (18), and Aaron (10). I distinctly remember the first day I arrived there. The Cole's are very welcoming hosts. They had a wonderful dinner all set up for me and my parents. We talked forever. I remember driving there to Fairfax and thinking what on earth am I doing? I remember having that feeling of wanting to turn around and head back home to Michigan and just quit already because I was scared. I didn't know anyone coming in to this, and I definitely didn't know the Cole's. Well, I lived with them for the summer of 05 and completely fell in love! I was welcomed into their family with open arms, and Aaron became my little boyfriend. :o) 

At the end of the summer, Rich and Karen pulled me aside and told me how much they loved having me and they wanted me to stay longer with them so I could move out on my own and start a life in Virginia/Washington D.C. area. I thought it was so nice of them to offer that, but I really wanted to go home so I declined. Now looking back, I wonder what my life would be like now if I had taken that opportunity. But God is completely sovereign and He didn't let that happen for a reason. Hmm...  Anyway... the next summer the Cole's called me back as their nanny for Aaron (which...yes, is another God story...seriously people, God is sovereign!). Karen's mom, Barbara was diagnosed with cancer and only had a few more months to live (both her parents lived with them) so they needed help with Aaron (I don't think I mentioned this yet, but Aaron has Down Syndrome) and they immediately called me because they knew I had a good relationship with him. I immediately said yes and I moved out to Fairfax to live with the Cole's as their nanny. Aaron is the most amazing little boy ever. He is so sweet and gentle. He welcomes everyone with open arms. He is not shy. He is quite bold in introducing himself to new people. I realized how much determination he has while I helped him with homework and took him to swimming class. He is so smart and willing to learn. He is easy to get along with. He puts a smile on your face right away and immediately you are his best friend (or girlfriend). When I was sad about something, Aaron new exactly how to put a smile on my face and make me feel better. We would often go on "dates" to Wegman's and the movies. He loved to give me a kiss on my hand and look lovingly into my eyes. :o) I mean, seriously people, this kid is amazing! Meeting Aaron and being around him has changed my life. He's not afraid of what people think of him. He's not scared to be your friend. He knows the joy of life and he lives it everyday. When I first lived with them, I remember that Aaron could barely speak words that were understandable. Now, he is talking so much and so clearly. He's so smart. 

Down Syndrome children are the most wonderful blessing to us. They have so much to teach us in terms of gentleness and innocence. Of course, they are sinners, but they carry an innocence that is not found any where else. I believe you can see the compassionate character of Christ in these children. They are precious. Aaron is my "boyfriend monitor". If I bring a guy home to Aaron and the dude doesn't get along or try to talk to Aaron then the dude has got to go. If Aaron doesn't make him smile or laugh, there is something wrong with that guy. Aaron is such a joy and his laughter and joyfulness is contagious. One of my favorite things to do is to go on a date with Aaron in which afterwards we will come back and I will put him to bed and then read him a story. I love that! 

Anyway, just wanted to let you know about one of the most important men in my life. His name is Aaron, and he is a joy. 

♥