A Fifty Three Year Miracle

[Dr. Everett James, DPC]

On the 4th day of October in the year of nineteen hundred and fifty nine God placed a very special and wonderful person in my life. My parents came home from the hospital with a little baby brother for me. They had named him Alfred after my father's younger brother. This baby boy was born with Downs Syndrome and my parents were told by medical professionals to have him put away because he would never be able to walk and talk. They were also told that he would most likely die before his twelve birthday. It took a little longer but this special little child by the grace of God began not only to form words but he also began to walk and run like other little children. As we began to get older, we became more than brothers; we were the best of friends. In fact, when we were growing up if you saw one of us, you seen the other. When I went outside to play with other children, my mother would say take your brother out with you. This little fella could not read or write and he was too fragile to participate in a lot of the games that we played but he was accepted by all of my friends. Years later, I would learn that a few of my friends had a brother or a sister with Downs Syndrome or something similar but they were always hidden away in the house because their families were ashamed of them. My godly mother was main streaming my brother before main streaming ever became popular. Although he was never allowed to travel alone Alfred went places and met people. He lived with my mother until she went home to be with the Lord in 2001. My sweet wife packed up his belongings and welcomed him into our home. She loved him as if he was her very own son; and he loved her like a mother. When I consider all the obstacles that were placed before him, I realized that every day of his life was a miracle. In fact, a fifty-three year miracle. Please allow me to wipe away a few tears. I had to perform CPR on him this morning. It is not looking good he is in ICU on a ventilator. He learned many things over the years. I am so happy that he learned how to say I love Jesus!

[Fr David Bennett]

Dear Brother in Christ Everett, I did send a message a few weeks ago enquiring after Alfred, and the present situation. Last you kindly advised Alfred was on a ventilator in ICU. Be assured you both remain in our thoughts and prayers, and also all family members. God Bless you all, Fr David Bennett & Anne

[Fr David Bennett]

Dear Brother in Christ Everett, thank you for sharing your very personal account about your loving brother Alfred. It is what Jesus would wish us all to learn, humility, love and care toward our fellow human beings. More so when we have family. I can appreciate the hurt, pain and distress you your wife and family are presently encountering because of dear Alfred's collapse. Remember too by performing CPR on Alfred this is another act of brotherly love. It may be one of the hardest acts to undertake knowing the person is your brother, but as in Gen2:7 you breathed the breath of life into him, as did The Lord stated in that passage. By placing Alfred onto the ventilator in ICU this allows his body to relax and take away any strains, thus allowing a time of physical rest allowing his body to repair itself. Whatever happens now Everett will be in the Lord's hands, and it will be His will which will be done. Please be assured that Anne and I will hold you ALL in our thoughts and prayers. I will include especially dear Alfred in my personal prayers also this morning, that he recovers in the Good Lord's time allotted. Thank you for the trust you placed in me by notifying us of Alfred's delicate situation presently. Be assured also that we pray for each other as Priest's which renews us all with the power of the Holy Spirit to do the Lord's good works. Stay blessed my brother in Christ. Fr David & Anne