February 21, 2023

Dear Friends,

My older brother was born with Down’s Syndrome. I could fill volumes with Michael’s antics and the little lessons he taught me over his nearly 60 years of life, but I would like to share just one. Some years past, an uncle suffered a stroke, and there was a concern he might not survive. Michael had experienced family funerals, so the matter’s seriousness did not escape him. My parents brought him to my house for “sister time” on their way to the hospital.

At one point in this visit, he crooked his finger at me to follow him. He said, “Come into my office.” I chuckled to myself as “his office” was really my office. He shut the door, led me to a chair, and told me to “sit.” He then sat next to me, leaned forward to look at me with tears filling his eyes, and said, “My mom told me that when I die, Jesus is going to take me to heaven.” Getting choked up myself, I said, “That is right, Mike. And there will be such a party that day when all the angels and saints are singing and dancing.” Michael loves many things, but parties and dancing are among his favorites.

By now, tears are streaming down his face, and he leans forward even more to ask, “But how is he going to get me out of that box (casket)?” With my heart aching for his anxiety, I answered, “Oh, Michael, Jesus has the key.” In an instant, his face was swallowed by a smile that stretched from ear to ear. He said, “OK,” stood up, wiped his face on his shirt sleeve, and walked back to his Star Wars movie, completely at peace. I sat there and thought, “Oh, Donna, Ye of little faith.” No matter how challenging life’s situations are, Jesus holds the key. It really is that simple.

My brother was born with imperfect physical abilities, and imperfect cognitive abilities—but he possesses perfect faith. I pray everyone who reads this reflection can be blessed with faith like Mike.

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary,
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;

but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

Yours in the Heart of Jesus,

Donna Garrett

NOTE: Donna’s brother, Michael, passed away on February 15, 2023.