My Son
By Joseph J. Mazzella • January 17, 2024
When I was 21, I sat in a hospital waiting room, trying to keep calm. My wife was pregnant, but our son was three weeks overdue. Complications had forced them to do an emergency C-section, and I didn’t know if either my wife or son would survive. After what felt like forever, they brought my son out, healthy and breathing. My fear disappeared, and my heart swelled with joy I had never felt before. I sighed in relief and thanked God for my baby boy.
Three years later, I sat in a car holding my crying wife. Our son wasn’t speaking like other children, and his behavior seemed different. We took him to a specialist who told us he might be mentally handicapped. It felt like the world was crashing down around us. I didn’t know what to do, so I just cried as I drove us home.
As the years went by, I learned to accept my son for who he was. I started to see how much of a blessing he was, not just to my wife and me, but to everyone around him. He had a gentle spirit. He laughed easily and gave hugs and love without asking for anything in return. He learned to speak, and though he never discussed anything complicated, he became great at small talk. He touched the hearts of everyone he met. His mom, me, his sister, his little brother, his school helpers, his teachers, and his classmates all loved him for the simple joy he brought to their lives. He became the manager for the football and girls’ basketball teams. He lifted the spirits of the coaches and players. And when he graduated high school, I got him a job at a special workshop where he could continue to share his love and light.
Yes, my first-born son might be seen as limited by the world, but in God’s eyes, he is limitless. He has shared more love, joy, and laughter than I ever could. If I had one wish, it would be for everyone to love as freely and happily as he does. May we always appreciate the “special” teachers of love in this world. They are truly a gift to us all.
Sunny Skyz