as he prepared his talk for Sunday. He drew detailed pictures of family night, missionaries, planting a garden, and reading scriptures at the breakfast table (complete with a stick figure brother trying to squeeze out the last of the ketchup).
When the time came I stood next to him as he bravely delivered his talk on Prophets. The four year old class occupied the front row not more than 4 feet in front of us . . .
"He talks weird."
*snicker*snicker*
"Yeah. He sounds funny."
*giggle*giggle*
"Normal people don't talk like that."
*laugh*laugh*
They began to imitate him and the laughter grew louder. Nick glanced their way, "the prophets teach us to be kind to everyone," he concluded as I held up his depiction of kindness.
Reason tells me they are young
and guileless
and Nick does sound funny
if only I could talk my heart
into understanding reason
8 comments:
Jodi, as you know, I was in there for Nick's talk. He did such a wonderful job. I felt his spirit and testimony so strongly.Those young children will grow up and understand that is isn't about how Nick says something, but it is about the meaning of what he says and that he speaks it from his heart.
I love him so much.
And as a side note, I stutter - a lot and I am dyslectic, which made growing up very hard.
He is not alone with his struggles.... just ask my little sister trish who is going to be 28 soon and she is still on a 5th grade level. But I Do not know anyone closer to our Savior than Trish. She came to this earth to teach us all..
Be happy, I love you!
That must have been very hard, as the Mommy, to hear.
I acknowledge that I have no idea how much more sensaitive having a child with noticable differences would be, but I too worry about Ella going to Kindergarten where kids will find a reason to tease her. That will always exist.
I think the most important thing is that he gave a lesson that he wrote himself about Prophets. Time will change those children in the front row, but time can't change what he is and always was...a boy with a strong testimony and a wonderful family that will teach him to make the world a better place.
These are the things which are solid and immovable. You are laying the foundation of a great work both presently and yet to come.
One of my favorite times in Primary was hearing talks or things that Nic would say, I miss that. His spirit is so strong and I loved being around him because of that. You are truly blessed to have his sweet spirit in your family!
He is a sweet miracle for all of us!
What a courageous little man.
Wow, what a moving story. I am so impressed with Nick. The other kids' laughter will subside, but Nick's testimony will only get stronger--thanks in part to help from the examples that you and Bo are--timo
This broke my heart. What a good mom and what a sweet boy.
Jody,
I am so sorry if Nick felt bad about the little boys laughing on the front row, especially when one was mine! He knows Nick and it is just a matter of understanding, we did talk to our little guy, but my heart still goes out to you and Nick, we love him so much and are so greatful he is Thomas' friend! Tell Nick his talk and pictures were perfect! Infact better than most kids his age! He is a great kid
this broke my heart especially because my max gave the talk yesterday and was so scared that people would laugh at him. he did great and no one laughed. it does make me think though, that even at 5 years old he knew that some kids might laugh.
you are right, they will grow up and understand, but it doesn't make the process any easier. your amazing.
Post a Comment