We Dedicate The Pool To.......

My grandson, whom my husband affectionaly calls C-man, is an incredible person.

I remember when he was baby boy. He was such an easy baby! He didn't mind playing all alone in his baby seat. He was no trouble at all. In fact, as he grew, I began to wonder why he wasn't more trouble. He was precious, but it seemed like he had some difficulties and wasn't interested in things that other babies were interested in. My daughter moved away when he was a baby so that her husband could go to P.T. school, so I didn't see him often. But, I remember one time I stayed overnight with him. When it was time for bed, he got under his bed. I tried to get him out, but he would just cry and couldn't tell me why he wanted to stay under there.

As a special educator, I was working in a school that had a classroom that was especially for children with autism. I began to get upset when I would go into that room, because I was beginning to recognize some of the same characteristics in him. I would have to pray to go in there, because I was afraid for my grandchild. What if he really had this and couldn't tell us what he needed?

Eventually, we would all come to realize and accept that he did have this condition. It was just like the story called Welcome to Holland, with the twist of watching your precious daughter and son-in-law have to work through it.

Don't get me wrong...we thought and think he is wonderful in every way. In fact, none of us can imagine our lives without him, exactly as he. But we worried about the future.

Fast forward 12 years or so......and what a difference time and the Lord make! C-Man has grown into a smart and talented young man. He has his opinions, but he also knows how to be polite. He paints beautiful paintings and he amazes us with the intricate LEGO creations he builds and the computer wizard that he is.

A couple of years ago he started being uncomfortable about being at our house. He would come in with all his stuff, put it on the dining table, and pretty much stay in there waiting until his mom would tell him it was time to go. Then he'd pick up all his stuff and out the door he'd happily go.

My husband and I couldn't stand this and tried to think of what we could do to change the way he felt. Since he loves to swim, we decided that we had to build a pool. Of course, we would all enjoy it, but C-Man would be the master of it. We decided he would love to come because he could be his fish-self all day long if he wanted. We really didn't care how much it cost, or how much trouble it was...it would all be worth it to watch him enjoy his time here. So...

C-Man...because we know you and your God well, we know that He has a plan to use your life in a mighty way. You are smart; no telling how smart. We are so proud of you and we love you more than you can ever know. You have a productive and miraculous life in front of you. We can't wait to see what awesome things you will do in this world. We dedicate this pool to you, sweet grandson, boy-man, artist. Swim and play and enjoy your time here. That will be the very best part of this pool to your Honey and Gramps. TLGPITWWW