Touched By An Angel!

As an Active Rain newbie, I often struggle to identify interesting topics that I feel will be of value to the community at large. Amazingly enough, it dawned on me that I have a wonderfully inspirational & heart warming personal story to share. Following, please find a story about a little boy & how he's blessed my life.

I've been touched by an angel named Kaleb, who happens to be my beloved 7 year old grandson. Kaleb was born with a rare genetic disorder called Angelman's Syndrome, which means that he was born without the 15th. chromosome in his brain. A suprising characteristics of a person with Angelman's Syndrome is that they're Happy, Happy, Happy! Kaleb loves to laugh, giggle & squeal & always has a wonderfully animated smile on his face. That being said, he's laughed & giggled his way into our hearts, touching us all very profoundly.

Following, please find a few of the lessons that Kaleb has taught me in the short time that he's blessed my life:

1. Communication Comes In All Forms, Sizes & Packages. We the recipients, need to hone our listening skills to identify what is being said. Kaleb may not speak, but he definitely has much to say, we just have to listen to what he's trying to communicate. Imagine how we can all apply better communication techniques with those that we serve. Take the time to slow down to listen to what's being said, you might be surprised at the results!
2. If At First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try, Try Again! At age of 7, Kaleb is starting to master the skill of walking without assistance! If Kaleb can master the art of walking unassisted, just imagine what can we master once we put our minds to the task!
3. Laughter Is Food For The Spirit! Kaleb has mastered the art of laughter. He knows how to use his laughter to garner the attention that he seeks. This I know as his laughter turns to a naughty boy laugh when he pulls his Mimi's hair to get her attention. Life can be hard. Take a lesson from Kaleb & laugh more! You'll be surprised at how much better you feel.
4. Take Time For Simple Pleasures! Kaleb doesn't need expensive toys,gadgets or video games to be entertained! He's happily entertained playing for hours with water, spinning things the simplest of things or wrestling with his big brother. Isn't it time that we all slow down & enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Perhaps, it's time to take task and focus on our needs vs. our wants.
5. Take Time To Count Your Blessings! I take the time to dedicate this blog to Kaleb, the little angel that's made a profound impacted my life.

For more information on Angelman's Sydrome please go to: ( www.angelman.org/angel/)