Inspire, Summer 2003

32 Summer 2003 He is Lord P a t r i c i a R i c e M a l o n e ’ 9 8 Patricia Rice Malone ’98 found God’s blessings and divine plan through her brother, Andrew. Here is her story. T rusting eyes that search my own. Kisses on my cheek. Deep laughter at our silly dancing. A huge smile to greet his loved ones. These are but a few glimpses of a special treasure in my life: my brother. At nine months of age, Andrew became sick with spinal meningitis. His near-death illness left him with permanent brain damage, hemiparesis, and deafness. Andrew can only vocalize in squeals and laughter. He can only understand our expressions of love, not our words. Nonetheless, we talk to him and shower him with attention. Andrew cannot do things for himself nor function at a high level, but we offer our service and play. Growing up with a special needs brother was an immeasurable experience. The Lord taught me a lot through Andrew and our relationship. From the beginning, the Lord revealed true and genuine faith to my young mind and soul; the Lord was glorified by the faith of my parents. During Andrew’s illness they never doubted God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. God was in control, and they trusted in Him through their words and actions. They taught me at such a young age to revere God and believe in Him even during the hardships of life. The world looks at those like my brother and says, “What a shame … what purpose does his life hold?” As a believer, I can say, “Praise the Lord for sparing Andrew’s life and using him for Your own glorious purpose!” Andrew’s life exemplifies God’s glory and grace. He is so full of life, and he beams with excitement, energy, and smiles. Andrew loves to give kisses and be around people. Not only does God use Andrew to display His loving care; He also uses Andrew to refine my character. God has carved into my life (and continues to do so) the fruits of patience, mercy, self-sacrifice, and love through daily interactions with Andrew. Inclusion of us siblings in Andrew’s care was important to our parents. My parents assigned times for us to work one-on-one with Andrew, incorporating his therapy assignments with our playtime. We also helped with daily routines such as getting Andrew dressed, changing his diapers, and feeding him. It taught me invaluable lessons regarding responsibility, obedience, and family. I still remember the summer family vacation to Montana, during which we taught Andrew how to kiss someone on the cheek. To this day, Andrew loves to give and receive kisses. We all have grown and entered into new phases of life, with the marriages of us siblings and Andrew’s graduation from the county school program. Although I have married, I still desire to contribute to the care of my brother. I praise God for a husband who accepts Andrew as his own brother and willingly joins in with his care. My parents recently obtained court guardianship of my brother as he is now over 21 years of age. They are also in the process of creating a trust for my brother. These legalities are issues that have surfaced recently in our family and are so essential as we prepare for the possible circumstances of the future. I think about Andrew aging. I wonder if he will live to 60 or 80. Who will then be there to take care of him? Even if I am alive, I doubt I would be in a condition to physically provide for him. My heart cries out to think of someone caring for Andrew with less of the love and attention he receives from his family. We want him to have the best. As I contemplate this, the Lord brings to mind my little niece, Catherine, as she insists on buckling the wheelchair straps for Uncle Andrew, proudly wears his helmet around the house, or climbs up into the wheelchair when it is vacant. I think of my 19-month-old nephew looking into Uncle Andrew’s eyes and giggling when he receives his kisses. God quiets my heart and reminds me that He is Lord. He will raise up someone to care for Andrew when my parents and my siblings are no longer able. The Lord will use the next generation, and it is my prayer that He instills so great a love into the hearts of my children and my nieces and nephews that Andrew will never be in want. God is faithful, and I can trust in Him that my brother will always be loved and receive the care and attention he needs. I praise the Lord for the godly example of my parents who, as they develop this trust fund, desire to ensure Andrew’s financial security and procure his stability for the future. I believe strongly in family taking care of their own. I think of Paul’s words to Timothy: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (I Timothy 5:8). God has given my family a special responsibility. We do not know the future or what God has in store for our family. Yet, I count it a privilege given by God to share in this responsibility of Andrew and rejoice in this avenue of service to our Lord, through which I can return thanks to Him who grants us life. Patricia and her husband, Andrew ’99, reside in Kensington, Maryland. Not only does God use Andrew to display His loving care; He also uses Andrew to refine my character. God quiets my heart and reminds me that He is Lord.