Compensation From God

Elder Wirthlin, an apostle in our church, said this about his grandson with autism:

"Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails. I have seen this in my own life. My grandson Joseph has autism. It has been heartbreaking for his mother and father to come to grips with the implications of this affliction.

They knew that Joseph would probably never be like other children. They understood what that would mean not only for Joseph but for the family as well. But what a joy he has been to us. Autistic children often have a difficult time showing emotion, but every time I’m with him, Joseph gives me a big hug. While there have been challenges, he has filled our lives with joy.

His parents have encouraged him to participate in sports. When he first started playing baseball, he was in the outfield. But I don’t think he grasped the need to run after loose balls. He thought of a much more efficient way to play the game. When a ball was hit in his direction, Joseph watched it go by and then pulled another baseball out of his pocket and threw that one to the pitcher.

Any reservations that his family may have had in raising Joseph, any sacrifices they have made have been compensated tenfold. Because of this choice spirit, his mother and father have learned much about children with disabilities. They have witnessed firsthand the generosity and compassion of family, neighbors, and friends. They have rejoiced together as Joseph has progressed. They have marveled at his goodness."

Here's his full article: http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-9,00.html

I love how he testifies that when God takes away, he compensates with something else. Although Dylan is not keeping up with his peers, he brings so much joy and warms our heart DAILY. This weekend, he was really struggling to keep up with the soccer came. Eric took him to the goal post and showed him how to be goalie. Although, Eric really was the one blocking the balls, Dylan beamed with pride when his dad bragged about his ability to be goalie. Later in the day, he saw a group of boys climbing a tree and told his dad, "I want to go climb and be a monkey too." When he saw a friend's mom at the park, he asked her "Where's Matthew?" I was shocked that he'd associate the mom with her son as he's never paid much attention to either one of them. Little milestones like these cause Eric and I each night to stay up talking and beaming with whatever progress he does make... we do find joy amidst the heartache as Dylan gives back to our lives so much more than he takes away.