My Daughter’s Sacrifice

My daughter’s Sacrifice

Every few years, my daughter (with special needs) has a birthday that falls on Good Friday.  I have been constantly impressed with her commitment to keep her fast on that day, rather than celebrating her birthday.  This child, who often misses the details of how someone feels, or what is appropriate social behavior, never misses this spiritual opportunity to put her faith first.

One year, our youth leader’s wife organized a birthday party for him on Good Friday after the Living Stations of the Cross.  This prompted a discussion between the youth leader and my then nine year-old daughter about why she wasn’t celebrating her birthday that day.  This year, following my daughter’s example, the youth leader asked that no one do anything after the Living Stations for his birthday.  “A little child shall lead them.”

It is easy sometimes to forget the gifts that a child with special needs has, but this is one circumstance where my daughter’s gift of faith shines so brightly that everyone can see it and is drawn to her beautiful inner light.  May God bless my Anya-Marie as she turns thirteen on Good Friday this year and as she puts it, “It’s not so bad, cuz we’ll celebrate on Easter and I’ll get a bunny cake.”  God bless you abundantly this Lenten season.