Wednesday, October 14, 2009

~Phillip's Wonderful World Of Love & Life~











This story is about a wee one that had an uncertain future ... but Phillip proved that there is no such thing as being disabled ... he is abled. (Read the wonderful note his brother James just shared down a good way in this write. That is James.)

Phillip is in his early 20's, having struggled with a medical issue since birth. The thing I find most amazing is the compassion & love that has radiated from this young man from day one of meeting him. Phillip was a very happy, bubbly baby, always smiling.

James is Phillip's older brother by a couple of years. James has been so instrumental in Phillip's achievements ... his patience in caring for his brother, his love for his brother & his constant influence to his brother was simply amazing. This young child gave unconditional love & selfless time for his brother.

When Phillip would struggle trying to achieve something, James was always there encouraging Phillip ... 'come on Phil, you can do it' or 'Phillip, pay attention'. Oh! how many times we heard these words over the backyard fence thru the years.

James was really into sports, particularly baseball when younger. He would get Phillip out in the back yard trying to teach Phillip to play ball, then eventually baseball, football, etc. We used to get such a smile when we would hear James say 'Phil, keep your eye on the ball', 'Now pay attention, Phil, watch that ball' or 'Come on now, Phil, you can do it' ... and THEN one day, there was James dictating to Phillip during baseball 'practice' to pay attention with words of encouragement and a LOUD KKEEERRR - AAACCCKKK!!!! with that bat & ball colliding, the ball flying thru the air, James got so excited all he could do was hollar 'Good job, Phil, you did it' ... and, little fella Phillip was filled with glee that he DID do it! The love that was shared at that moment is indescribable ... & emotinal for us to witness.

His Mother, Mary Kay (pictured), became very active in Special Olympics sports for him. Phillip even took his team to the big playoffs in Ohio, where they won. Mary Kay gives selflessly to keeping Phillip's interest in many sports ... & supporting the Special Olympics. Her love for all the children she works with & shares life with that have special needs is very commendable. She fights furiously for these causes.

Phillip attended regular high school & graduated. An artist(s) gave Phillip some training a couple years ago, who would have ever thought ... Phillip became quite adept in painting & drawing. Above you will see a bit of the art that has come from the talent that was hidden until the flame was kindled. Oh, how excited Phillip was when he came bouncing thru our front door to tell us 'I am having an art show' ... and THAT is exactly what he did. And, he could hardly contain himself when he came bouncing thru that door again, to tell us 'I sold a painting'. The joys we have shared in Phillip's moments are emotional & rewarding for us ... hugs are given often, he is very special to us. Even our Joshua would encourage Phillip to 'try' when he'd fuss about something.

The only ones disabled are we, when we think someone is disabled. Love can overcome & conquer all ...

PS ~ James is a wonderful Father now to a beautiful daughter, Olyvia.

PSS ~ If you are interested in Phillip's art or Christmas cards write me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/phillipshepardart

PSS Prayer Request for David at Andrea's blog ~ Arise 2 Write

33 comments:

  1. Hi Marydon,
    What an inspiring story of love,acceptance,determination and compassion~~LOVE it!
    Thank you so much for posting this and bringing awareness to the fact that we ALL have potential to be great!!
    It is amazing that you were planning this post the very same morning I told you about our Chris.
    The Lord is always working, isn't he"

    Have a wondrous Wednesday,my friend!
    Hugs,
    Lynn♥

    ~Let FREEDOM Ring!~

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Marydon,
    What a touching story about Phillip. I'm so glad to have "met" him thru your post. I admire his brother for his encouragement and love over the years for Phillip. Phillip has achieved more than many of the rest of us. God has blessed him and his family!

    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  3. AMEN! Being the parent of a handicapped daughter...this story touches me deeply. Our daughter is very fortunate to be attending law school. She has cerebral palsy.
    I praise GOD for all HE is doing in and through Philip and indeed we are the ones who are handicapped...LOVE CONQUERS ALL!
    GOD BLESS you for sharing Philips story.
    andrea

    I have an urgent prayer request on arise 2 write.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello Marydon, what a beautiful, inspiring story about that incredible young man and his family! These are the posts that make me smile! Love to you... Bisous... Julie Marie

    ReplyDelete
  5. An amazing and touch story of love and family! It really warms my heart. And what a talented young man Phillip is!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. What an inspiring story. I'm especially charmed by the way his older brother, was his biggest coach, helper and promoter.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marydon thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us and reminding us what is really important. Sometimes we lose sight of that and need to be reminded once in awhile.
    Blessings~

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is so wonderful MD...thank you for sharing! Love to you~ Rebecca

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good morning MD..
    This was soo sweet and inspirational.. The Lord is always working,and has HIS hand on us no matter if we feel it or not !! Such happy things you share.. Thanks soo much and you have a happy day sweet friend ~
    hugs ~tea~xo

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Marydon,
    wonderful story of love and encouragement . It is amazing the special talents we all have, everyone has one or more!!!
    have a great day
    hugs,
    jamie

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a wonderful young man...we can all learn from him AND his family (and from you, too)!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Marydon,
    Thank you so much for sharing this beautifully-written, touching post! It's very inspirational and I'm always amazed at the courage and strength some people have.

    Thank you for stopping by my blog also and for your thoughtful comment.

    Hope you have a blessed remainder of the week,
    Linda♥

    ReplyDelete
  13. It sounds like you were fortunate to live next to a very amazing and wonderful family! I love the part about the special brother bond. I hope that is something they will keep always!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Marydon what a wonderful story. I had opportunity to be associated with may other abled children as a home health nurse and they are all a blessing to anyone who knows them. How wonderful he is to be moving on to an art show. Haven't heard from Sherry have you?
    QMM

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh Marydon God Bless Phillip.

    Great post today sweety.

    Blessings,
    Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a wonderful story. It brought tears to my eyes. I love to hear stories about someone overcoming a disability. I try to tell my kids to be thankful every day for everything they have and to always help and be there for those who things don't come as easy. thanks for much for sharing and also for leaving such sweet comments on my blog.

    Enjoy your day.

    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Very sweet and inspiring. Great story of the love the family shares, too.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Marydon what an amazing and inspiring young man! This truly touched my heart. Thank you for sharing it with us dear lady.

    Many blessings, ~Melissa :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a wonderful story Marydon...thanks so much for sharing this...May you have a blessed day my friend...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a wonderful story. Love and patience conquers all.
    Hugs, Sue

    ReplyDelete
  22. Another wonderful story Marydon. It makes my heart sing!
    Hugs,
    Dawn

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a heartwarming story, sweetpea! Just goes to show you what can be done with the help of the Lord and perseverance.
    xoxo,
    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  24. A story that does my heart good. As a retired Special Ed teacher I love, love the success stories. Ya' just put a big old smile on my face.

    Have a wonderful day fill with Gods many blessings!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi, Marydon,
    I loved reading this beautiful story about Philip and his wonderful brother. Your post goes right along with my post today on "imagination". Thanks for sharing and blessings to you, dear friend. Vicki

    ReplyDelete
  26. Marydon,

    That was a really nice piece about Phil. He is such a great guy, kind, loving, and the best brother a person could ask for. He continues to impress me with everything he does. I cannot take any credit for what he has become, he should be the one taking the majority of the credit for what I have become. Thanks agian for wiring that article, it ment a lot to all of us.

    -James

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a lovely post!! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Stop by when you can. I have just opened Cottage Loft Boutique. Hugs, Connie

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks fo sharing such a joyful inspirational story - it has put a smaile on my face!

    ReplyDelete
  29. What an awesome story and a wonderful family Phillip has. I have a nephew with special needs and he has changed all of us for the better. Thanks for sharing his story and art.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Marydon, what a beutiful story. It brought tears to my eyes. If all of us could share such love and acceptance, what a beautiful world we would have indeed. Thank you for sharing this great story.

    Have a fabulous weekend,
    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you for this uplifting story, Marydon! It is such an important one too! I love how you said this, "The only ones disabled are we, when we think someone is disabled. Love can overcome & conquer all ..." So very true!!! Hugs, Coralie

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a wonderful story and what a talented artist. Thanks for sharing this with me today to remind me of the accomplishments of people who cross our paths each day.
    Joyce

    ReplyDelete