Page 2:
Gianni's unconditional acceptance of the heavy cross he now carries has been amazing and inspirational to all those who come in contact with him. The Okaloosa County School system and the entire staff of Destin Elementary have garnered monumental support for Gianni. Principal Marty Gardner and her troops never considered any option that did not involve Gianni returning to Destin Elementary; and neither did Gianni.
Destin contracted the services of not one, but two, immensely qualified professional, vision and mobility instructors. The first day of school, Gianni got dressed, ate breakfast and got on the bus, just like every other kid in the neighborhood. How he truly expresses no fear, self-pity or anger is nothing short of miraculous in my book. He spends seventy percent of his time in regular class with his friends. And everybody wants to be Gianni's friend. Francesca says she has to hang out with her brother to get any attention. G-man even told me the other day with a sly smile, that 'two girls really liked him.' But I know Gianni will focus on his school work.
One of his vision teachers, Pat Wilson, came out of retirement after 30 years, to teach Gianni because she had heard such special things about him. She has become captivated by Gianni's spirit and strength. She told me that Gianni was the most brilliant and special child she had ever taught. Gianni learned half the braille alphabet on the first day. Ms. Wilson candidly remarked that she is going to be challenged keeping up with him. She commented that she believes 'everything she has experienced in her career was God's preparation of her to teach Gianni.' They are going to have an enduring and rewarding relationship.
Everything that comes out of his mouth is pure truth. There are no innuendos, hidden meanings or self-interests in his comments. For instance, Gianni asked Ms. Wilson how to 'backspace' on his fancy new electronic braille writer that the school bought for him. When Ms. Wilson was not sure, Gianni asked 'well how are you going to teach me if you don't know?' Such a comment from most students would be perceived as sarcastic or condescending. Ms. Wilson sensed that he simply just wanted to know how to 'backspace' the braille writer. So she spent the better part of her own time on a Saturday joyfully learning the new technology.
The other day, A.J. and I were commenting on the G-man's growing sunglasses collection. I commented that sunglasses were 'cool,' and wanted to wear them in school, but the teachers would not let me. Gianni spontaneously commented, 'Well, Dad.... just livin' the dream,' sincerely and with no intent to be funny. AJ and I were so amazed, that we began laughing hysterically with joy. Gianni said 'what's so funny?'
Oh yeah, Ronnie Milsap called for Gianni the other day, and invited him to come visit him in Tennessee. Gianni said, 'Is he cool? Who's Ronnie Milsap?' I told Gianni that he is a famous musician who lost his sight as a six year old. And that he was the inspiration for the members of the band Los Lonely Boys, famous for the song 'How Far is Heaven.' Gianni said, 'I like that song. Well then let's go visit him.'
Gianni's remarkable progress cannot be unrelated to the power and grace that comes only from above, resulting from the magnitude of your prayerful support. Please keep the G-man in your thoughts and prayers, but don't feel sorry for him... because that's not 'the way he rolls.'
|
