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Jeffrey Michael Smith
HEAVEN'S SPECIAL CHILD
Author presently unknown
A meeting was held quite far from earth,
It’s time again for another birth.
Said the angels to the Lord above;
This special child will need much love
His progress may be very slow,
Accomplishments he may not show.
And he’ll require extra care,
From the folks he meets down there,
He may not run or laugh or play,
His thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways he won’t adapt, and he’ll
Be known as handicapped.
So let’s be careful where he is sent, we want
His life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the good friends who, will
Do a special job for you.
They will not realize it right away, the leading
Role they’re asked to play.
But with this child sent from above, comes
Stronger faith and richer love.
And soon they will know the privileges given,
In caring for their gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild, in
Heaven’s very special child.
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MICHAEL IS WALKING!!! On Thanksgiving Michael gave Jeff and I an early Xmas gift...he got up and started to walk. We are truly blessed. Michael is an awesome child and gives us so much love. Madelyn is very proud of her brother and is so excited. God knew to give us both at the same time. She is the most beautiful, kind, generous 5 year old girl I know! (I am a lil bias :)
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On 9/30/02, God blessed our family with twins, Michael and Madelyn. Madelyn was very healthy and came home with us right away, Michael did not. Michael weighed 3lbs. 14oz. when he was born and was diagnosed with a rare chromosome deletion no one else in the world has. Michael is missing a piece of his 3rd chromosome, specifically 3q21-25. This missing piece has caused my son to have and live with the following medical issues: necrotizing intercolotis, craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus, microcephaly, club foot, cleft palate, Pierre Robin Syndrome, VSD, joint contractures, hypotonia, inguinal hernias, reflux, and Blepharophymosis (vision issues). These many issues have caused Michael to spend the first 4 months on his life in the hospital and have 11 surgeries in the past 2 years: tracheostomy, g-tube (feeding tube) insertion and double inguinal hernia repair, bronchoscopes (2) w/ tubes placed in his ears, craniosynostosis repair, 2 mandibular distractions, eye surgery, urological surgery and cleft palate repair.
Michael survives with the g-tube to eat. Michael needs 24 hour monitoring. Michael also has physical, developmental, occupational and speech therapy every week. Michael has made great strides developmentally but unfortunately only functions at a 6-12 month old level. His future is uncertain regarding his physical and mental capabilities. Michael is an amazing child who has touched so many lives. He is sweet and so lovable. We are so very proud of his strength and courage as he goes through too many surgeries and day to day life. He has captured my heart and I can not imagine my life without him. Mary
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Michael is taking a break from surgeries for a while, but will have his legs casted weekly at Children's to help his balance. Please keep him in your prayers.
The Smith Family sends a special THANK YOU to the Make A Wish Foundation. Michael and Family had a blast in Disney World ! Thank you Make A Wish!! If you would like to send Michael a greeting please email maryjef@comcast.net. Thank you.
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The picture to your right is of Michael's last jaw distraction surgery. Michael is a very brave little boy!
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