How a Miracle Helped a Down’s Syndrome Child Tie Her Shoes
Copyright (c) 2008 Rebecca Hanson
Little Miss Sarah! Mystical, magical, marvelous Sarah! Everyone who meets her is blessed beyond words. Her purity and joy for life are exceptional.
When Sarah was born the doctors told me: “She will not be able to live on her own.” Not true.
“She will have a very limited vocabulary.” Not true at all.
“She will never be able to think abstractly.” Definitely not true!
“She will never be able to tie her shoes.” Well, she ties her shoes quite well, thank you!
As the mother of five children, two of whom are genetically different with Down’s syndrome, I ran a pretty tight ship. While I managed to keep the laundry machines working on a daily basis, there was one job that seemed insurmountable matching, folding and separating socks. Imagine seven people ranging in age from 3 to 38 years. How many pairs of socks are we talking about? Being the pragmatic mother I turned an old apple crate into a “sock basket” where I tossed all the socks. Everyone was expected to find a pair of socks that matched each other and fit their feet. One time I was totally embarrassed when Sarah, then three years old, removed her shoes at her day program, and walked around with big long white tube socks. She was wearing big brother Erick’s socks!
Attempting to maintain a sense of civility, I established a few “rules” which applied to the Special Kids as well Rules like, “Keep your hands on your own body.” (I.e. no hitting, pinching or tickling) and “No teasing allowed.” This rule was necessary since once a Special Kid learns something they cannot “unlearn” itteasing teaches them the “wrong” way and it’s only funny to the person doing the teasing, not to the recipient. Oh, I had a classic rule”If you can fight, you can kiss.” THAT rule, although unpopular, went a long way in preventing fights between brothers and sisters and friends.
But it was the next rule, which prompted a magnificent event: “If you can, you must.” It went like this:
If you can dress yourself, you must. If you can make your bed, you must. If you can tie your shoes, you must.
I was enforcing the “shoe rule” one morning, when Sarah was about five years old. She had just learned how to tie her shoes, and in keeping with the rule I gave her plenty of time to do it.
We lived in a large two-story, split-level house with a huge welcoming foyer, leading to four wide steps up to the living room. I helped Sarah get settled on the bottom step with her running shoes unlaced, so she could easily slide her feet into them. “OK, honey, tie your shoes. I’ll be back in a minute.”
I might have been gone two minutesthree at the most. And when I returned to see how Sarah was doing, both shoes were PERFECTLY tied! These were the most amazing bows I’d ever seen! Not off to one side at all. They were absolutely centered. Moreover, all four loops of both bows were precisely equal. I’m sure this is an impossible feat. I’ve been tying my shoes for 55 years and I’ve never been so precise.
“Sarah! How did you do that?” I asked pointing to her feet. “How did you tie your shoes so fast?”
“Oh, Jesus came and tied my shoes,” she stated.
“He did?” I was stunned by her answer and questioned her further. “What did he look like?”
“He was white,” she replied.
“Was he wearing white?” I wondered if this was something she had learned about at Sunday school.
“No, he was all shiny and white.”
Well, I knew that answer hadn’t come from a Sunday school lesson. Besides, she said it with such conviction and forthrightness. I could not accuse her of making it all upher shoes were tied in record time with precision beyond mere human ability!
For 25 years I have pondered this event again and again. I had been so distracted with all my duties and deadlines I almost missed it, but Sarah didn’t. She got it! It was a miracle.
This event convinced me that children live a lot closer to Source (or God) than adults. Well, of coursewe all came from Source and the infant, the baby; the innocent ones can still “see” Source and communicate with It freely.
When you think of it, isn’t that what we’re all trying to do? Find our way back to Source? Find a way to “see” with our pure angel eyes once more.
I am just starting to come to terms with this miracle and more than two dozen others I’ve been privileged to observe or participate in. I’ve come to the conclusion that “A miracle is a welcomed outcome that flies in the face of rational thinking.”
As well, there’s a gentle soft voice within telling me,
“It’s time; Time to talk about the miracles, time to speak and time to teach.”
Are you looking for a miracle? Perhaps you know someone who needs a miracle. Are you wondering if there is anything you can do to facilitate a miracle in their life or your own?
About the Author
Rebecca Hanson is the Founder of the Law of Attraction Training Center. She is a natural teacher and mentor to students from around the world. Learn how you can apply the Law of Attraction to have a fuller more enriching life, through the Certified Law of Attraction Practitioners’ Program, a 65-hour audio course at: http://www.lawofattractiontrainingcenter.com/programs.html .
|
|
Hooked On Fly Tying, HDT1-A Classic Dry Flies 2 – Dick Talleur [VHS] $19.95 Columnist, author, photographer, guide and recognized fly tying authority is your guide through learning the intricate and delicate techniques of tying a variety of very effective flies. Not only do you learn to tie the specific patterns in these tapes, but the techniques, style and tricks that you encounter with these flies can be applied to many other patterns. ••• Stimulator Pal… |
|
|
Hooked On Fly Tying, HDT2 Classic Wet Flies & Nymphs – Dick Talleur [VHS] $19.95 Columnist, author, photographer, guide and recognized fly tying authority is your guide through learning the intricate and delicate techniques of tying a variety of very effective flies. Not only do you learn to tie the specific patterns in these tapes, but the techniques, style and tricks that you encounter with these flies can be applied to many other patterns. ••• Grouse & Green… |
|
|
Hooked On Fly Tying, HDT1 Classic Dry Flies 1 – Dick Talleur [VHS] $17.96 Columnist, author, photographer, guide and recognized fly tying authority is your guide through learning the intricate and delicate techniques of tying a variety of very effective flies. Not only do you learn to tie the specific patterns in these tapes, but the techniques, style and tricks that you encounter with these flies can be applied to many other patterns. ••• Red Quill Step… |
|
|
Classic Maine Streamers $24.90 In this video, Mike Martinek, Jr., specialist in the classic Rangely style featherwing streamers, shows you how to tie two very effective and beautiful flies. Learn to tie the Pink Ghost and York’s Kennebago…. |
|
|
Hooked on Fly Tying – Classic Dry Flies II w/ Dick Talleur $24.90 Dick Talleur… Columnist, author, photographer, guide and recognized fly tying authority, Dick Talleur is your guide through learning the intricate and delicate techniques of tying a variety of very effective flies. Not only do you learn to tie the specific patterns in these tapes, but the techniques, style and tricks that you encounter with these flies can be applied to many other patterns. Lear… |
|
|
Classic Dry Flies 1 $24.90 Dick Talleur… Columnist, author, photographer, guide and recognized fly tying authority, Dick Talleur is your guide through learning the intricate and delicate techniques of tying a variety of very effective flies. Not only do you learn to tie the specific patterns in these tapes, but the techniques, style and tricks that you encounter with these flies can be applied to many other patterns. Lear… |
|
|
Steelhead Flies: Tying Classics DVD $29.95 Steelhead flies are perhaps the most beautiful and alluring in all of angling. Mastering the skills to tie them to perfection is a rewarding challenge that is easily attainable. In this program veteran steelheaders and fly tying instructors Dec Hogan and Marty Howard take you through a step by step process on how to create classic steelhead flies that you can admire and fish with confidence. The c… |
|
|
Typing Instructor For Kids Platinum (Windows/Mac) $12.98 Typing Instructor for Kids Platinum is the #1 best-selling typing program for kids. It is the only typing software designed to teach young children to type that s packed with just the right mixture of education entertainment and motivation so kids can improve their typing skills quickly and see immediate results! Educational Design: Kids learn to type with 10 age-appropriate lesson plans for speci… |
|
|
Bulldof Classic Salmon Fly – 24W x 17H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Green Highlander Classic Salmon Fly – 24W x 17H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Universal Fly Tying Guide $13.5 This essential reference for fly tyers has sold 350,000 copies since original publication in 1979, including sales of the second edition, issued in 1994. This reprint of the second edition will assure the continued availability of this classic handbook for years to come. The Universal Fly Tying Guide features full-color pages of fly tying instructions throughout, and over 150 selected fly patterns. Dick Stewart is the former editor of American Angler magazine and is the author or co-author of eight other books about fly tying and fly fishing. He lives in Eaton, NH. |
|
|
The Complete Book of Fly Tying $15.42 With over 90,000 sold in its first edition, this is "a classic book from a highly respected tier" (Jay Cassell, Deputy Editor, "Field & Stream"). Here is a book for fly tiers, beginners and experts alike, that provides foolproof directions for tying all types of flies. Unlike specialized books that describe particular types or styles of flies, this book covers them all–both freshwater and saltwater flies. Dry flies for trout, streamers for tarpon, hair bugs for bass: you will find them here. Eric Leiser teaches the basic methods for tying standard dries, hair dries, parachute dries, hackleless flies, wets, nymphs, streamers, Jassids and other terrestrials, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned tier looking for specific advice, or you’re brand new to the craft and just want the fundamentals, this book is a complete education. 50 b/w illus., 16 b/w photos. |
|
|
Tying the Classic Salmon Fly $75.57 This book is in Used condition |
|
|
Tying the Classic Salmon Fly by Radencich, Michael D. Edition ILL, 0 $22.49 Includes step-by-step, fully illustrated instructions on tying a variety of classic salmon patterns by the best salmon fly tiers in North America. |
|
|
The Art of Fly Tying by Edition ILL, 0 $13.99 – Shows the tools you need to tie any popular fly pattern.– Includes all the basic elements of popular fly patterns– Features over 200 classic and new patterns. |
|
|
Anglers Book Supply Co 1589233468 Art Of Fly Tying $56.63 Gorgeous Stepbystep procedures for tying every popular fly pattern. 200+ classic patterns for beautiful effective flies + a whole new chapter on saltwater flies. The classic instruction book for beginning novice flytiers. Comes with companion CDROM with tying techniques instructions live. 9×11 inches 144 pgs. From trout to salmon and from panfish to bass catching fish on a fly that you have tied is exciting and rewarding. A classic for every flyfisherman s library the easytounderstand text and hundreds of fullcolor stepbystep photographs in The Art of Fly Tying will teach you how to tie flies like an expert. This book will help you choose the right tools select the right materials identify aquatic insects and understand the eating habits of your intended catch and to tie all the basic elements of any fly pattern. The book contains over 200 classic patterns from the original edition as well as 16 new saltwater fly patterns and a new section on saltwater fly tying techniques. Offered in a new easy to use wireo binding the new edition also comes with a companion CDROM on which the author demonstrated his tying techniques and instructions live. New easytouse layflat wireo format with CD ROM companion Includes 16 new patterns and a new technique section dedicated to saltwater flies Remains the classic instruction book for beginning and novice flytiers Over 200 classic patterns for beautiful and effective fliesAbout the Author:John van Vliet grew up fishing in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York and honed his skills on the creeks of Southeastern Minnesota An accomplished flytier and flyfishing instructor he has written extensively on fishing for trout. Hardcover |
|
|
The Art of Fly Tying by Van Vliet, John Edition ILL, 0 $25.99 Bonus CD-ROM included!From trout to salmon and from panfish to bass, catching fish on a fly that you have tied is exciting and rewarding. A classic for every flyfishermanÆs library, the easy-to-understand text and hundreds of full-color, step-by-step photographs inThe Art of Fly Tyingwill teach you how to tie flies like an expert. This book will help you choose the right tools, select the right materials, identify aquatic insects and understand the eating habits of your intended catch, and to tie all the basic elements of any fly pattern. The book contains over 200 classic patterns from the original edition as well as 16 new saltwater fly patterns and a new section on saltwater fly tying techniques. Offered in a new easy to use, wire-o binding, the new edition also comes with a companion CD-ROM on which the author demonstrated his tying techniques and instructions live.New, easy-to-use lay-flat wire-o format with CD ROM companionIncludes 16 new patterns and a new technique section dedicated to saltwater fliesRemains the classic instruction book for beginning and novice flytiersOver 200 classic patterns for beautiful and effective flies |
|
|
The Orvis Fly-Tying Guide $28.13 This essential book on fly tying will teach anyone how to tie flies. All the important techniques are illustrated with color photographs, from starting the thread on the hook to whip finishing. The book lays the basic ground work by fully explaining simple tying techniques, and then progresses to detailed tying instructions for some of the most popular, modern patterns. How to choose and prepare the correct material, and all the necessary tying steps for each fly, are detailed in superb, large, color photographs. Even if you have no previous tying experience, you’ll be able to tie dries, nymphs, streamers, saltwater offerings, and bass bugs after just a few sessions with this book. The tier is then advised how to progress to similar patterns using the same basic techniques. Also included is a huge reference of fly patterns–more than four hundred flies from the Orvis catalog are shown in full color, along with their tying recipes and proportions for each one. This book, calling on the Orvis Company’s vast resources and teaching experience and written by an author whose name is synonymous with Orvis, is sure to become the bible for fly tyers of all skill levels. |
|
|
Century End: A Fly Tying Journey $12.45 Used – Atlantic salmon flies are exquisite works of art with a history that is as interesting as it is full of tradition. This gorgeous book takes us back in time to England, Ireland, and Scotland when the original Spey and classic Atlantic salmon flies were originated and flourished as “fishing” flies. Each of the 34 glorious flies are pictured at almost half-page in size, and each includes the recipe and originator. Also included is hook information — both antique and contemporary — artistic |
|
|
Century End: A Fly Tying Journey $24.95 New – Atlantic salmon flies are exquisite works of art with a history that is as interesting as it is full of tradition. This gorgeous book takes us back in time to England, Ireland, and Scotland when the original Spey and classic Atlantic salmon flies were originated and flourished as “fishing” flies. Each of the 34 glorious flies are pictured at almost half-page in size, and each includes the recipe and originator. Also included is hook information — both antique and contemporary — artistic |
