We are so proud of our son-in-law, Karl.
First let me give you some background; Karl was born in San
Juan Puerto Rico to a Spanish mother and American father. When Karl was 5 years old the family moved to
the US (Arizona) where he had the daunting task of learning to speak English on
his own in elementary school. Growing up
he was considered “slow” and spent his entire secondary education in “special
education”. He was told he would not be
able to get a job beyond minimum wage.
When Jim and I first met Karl 13 years ago it was not love
at first sight. Yes, go figure – in-laws
not fond of their perspective son-in-law, but Karl possesses a quality within
him that grows on you and you begin to root for the “underdog”. I think what first brought me to love him was
not only the love he possessed for our daughter, but the love and protection he
showed to our then, 5 year old grandson.
Karl not only became a loving husband to our daughter, but he became a
devoted father to our grandson to which he would give his own life for that
precious child.
As you can imagine, growing up as a “special education”
child can become overwhelming when you become a husband, father and sole
financial provider of the family. I was
able to connect with Karl in a way that my husband, Jim could never really
understand completely. I too had
difficulties at school and was told I could never make it in college and needed
to change my course selection in high school; but later, in my adult years
individuals came into my life that believed in me, and told me that I can do
anything I put my mind to, and that was just what I told Karl as well.
It took a while for Karl to believe it, but over the years he
and I would have many “discussions”. If
I would see him slack off or hear him say he could not accomplish much in his
life I would jump right in and we would have one of our “special” discussions –
and yes, a few times I might have “bit” his head off! If there is one thing I do not like to hear
is “I can’t” or any other negative talk about oneself. It is a slightly funny, Karl has said quite
often, “Mom is one of the most low keyed people I know and does not get angry
too often, but when she does - stand back!”
A few years ago Karl decided to acquire a college education
through online courses. We all knew it
would be extremely challenging for Karl.
Let’s face it; it is most difficult for anyone who has a family and a
full time job to also place upon themselves the challenges of college. But we all told him he can do it! We believe in his God given abilities and we
have continued to cheer him on and encouraged him along the way. It reminds me of watching a caterpillar
become a beautiful butterfly or a diamond in the rough becoming a beautiful
polished gem. The past two years Karl
has been on the Dean’s List and this past grading period he is on the
Presidents List – a 4.0 grade point average! Not bad for a boy who struggled through
primary and secondary education to receive C’s and D’s!
Karl is approaching the finish line – he has one more
grading period to go before he graduates from college with a bachelor’s
degree!
Karl is living proof that if you put your mind to it you can
accomplish your goals even when family, friends, and circumstances say it’s
impossible. Karl has proved to all the
“Nay-Sayers” that "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all
things are possible with God." Mark 10:27
When Karl graduates in June he will be 35 years old and Lord
willing he will be able to take his degree and get a job worthy of his
abilities and accomplishments! We know
the job market is difficult– but God has brought him thus far and the Lord will
provide. “What shall we say about such
wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans
8:31
Alright Michele, practice what you preach! I can and I will become a Healthier ME!
Karl, you have taught an “old dog” a new “trick”! You have inspired me to continue my journey
to become a healthier me! I am sure
today, after reading this post you have inspired others as well.
2 comments:
Blessings to Karl.
I love this post! I am a teacher and often worry about the challenges some of my learning disabled students face. It is good to see that the labels one is given in school do not always predict accurately what one will accomplish in life:) Karl is an example of determination and perseverance and your family is an example of loving support!
I also want to tell you that I really appreciated your post on Rest Ministries today. I have received a second diagnosis of a chronic condition that can be currently treated, but not cured. And yes, sometimes endurance is the best thing we can ask our Father for. I don't always (ok, often) understand what purpose chronic illness has in our lives, but I do know that it enables us to encourage others and gives us credibility with others because we've been there ourselves. Thank you for sharing your life experience and encouraging me today!
Wishing you & your family all the best!
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