Inspire, Summer 2003

Inspire 29 Sherry Burns Hubler ’74 writes of the ups and downs of having a child with Down’s Syndrome. Trusting By Alice Marquardt I do not understand it But I just keep trusting my Good Shepherd Because I know He will not lead me Anyplace He does not want me to follow. I graduated from Cedarville College in 1974 and married my wonderful husband, Steve, in 1976. In 1977 we became the proud parents of a beautiful daughter, Kelsey. On August 10, 1980, our family became complete with the birth of Joshua. We were thrilled to have been given both a boy and a girl. However, within days after Josh’s birth, we were told that the doctors suspected he had a chromosomal abnormality. Within a few months, it was confirmed through genetic testing that Joshua was born with Down’s Syndrome. It is nearly impossible to express the feelings I experienced and the degree to which I experienced them. I suppose my first feeling was fear. I knew nothing about Down’s Syndrome. Then came disbelief, which became acceptance of fact when the results of genetic testing were returned. Sadness followed at the loss of a perfect little boy who would come to know Jesus Christ as his Savior, play all kinds of sports, drive a car, have a girlfriend, get married, and carry on the family name with children of his own. I guess all of these emotions and feelings are normal, but what is supernatural was the peace God gave me as life unfolded and He poured blessings into my life through Josh. Josh accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior on January 31, 1998. Josh drives a go-cart and has been involved as an athlete in the Special Olympics. He played the drums in his high school concert and marching band, performing right along with his fellow band members at the football games. For his perseverance and efforts, Josh received Ohio’s “Yes I Can” award and was a guest at a dinner in Columbus with other winners from across the state of Ohio. Josh graduated from high school in June 2000. He participated in all of the graduation ceremonies. I was so proud of him. Josh is a wonderful, compassionate, and loving young man. Oh, there have been many challenges along the way, too numerous to mention, but God allowed me to experience a blessing along with each challenge. Presently, Josh goes to work every day in an adult workshop and is extremely happy. The new challenge these days is helping my son as he experiences having his first girlfriend (other than mom, of course) and his first puppy love. Having been the mother of a child with a disability has opened many doors for me. In the past, I spoke to young ladies in the college dormitories about God’s faithfulness in times of trial. Later, I was literally recruited to teach in a special needs preschool program. In April 2000, God used my experience of having a child with a disability to lead me into my present profession — I work in a vocational rehabilitation program with persons who have experienced traumatic or acquired brain injury. I know there are new challenges around every corner, but I also know that God does not make mistakes. I have learned to turn it all over to Him — to listen to His voice as He gently speaks to my soul. I know that God is in control and that He gives us unexpected blessing in the midst of the challenges of life. I love Him and praise Him for what He has done in my life by giving me very special Sons — my own and His. Trusting S h e r r y B u r n s H u b l e r ’ 7 4 Josh Hubler I know there are new challenges around every corner, but I also know that God does not make mistakes.