It is rare to hear such a mother's title: «Special mom of a special child». However, that was the title of the gathering which took place on May 22 at the church in West Sacramento. Although a little bit late, these heroic and sacrificial mothers were honored for everything that they do in a Mother's Day celebration and were given small tokens of appreciation.
The celebration was prepared and organized by the Ministry to Children with Special Needs of the Association which is headed by Nataliya Ivanovna Smolikova. In the church (where I. A. Verstak is the pastor) hall gathered close to 30-40 people. A. Kolivayko, a well-known singer, was invited to sing for them; he also brought two of his grandchildren. Together they performed a few songs, read some poems, and recited Scriptures.
Shortly thereafter, the «special» or as they are called, «the sunny» children took their place on stage. Every one of them has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Not all of them are able to speak, and their mothers never heard any words of gratitude from them or words of love and affection. However, during this celebration, every one of the children was able to express their love to their mothers by raising letters up and spelling out «We love our moms».
Every one of the moms was invited to come up where they were given a small token of appreciation with a Christian quote on it, and each child was given a package with goods.
These «special moms» have a hard life. Most of them carry their burden alone. They take care of their sick children, children that do not grow up with the passing of years. Almost all of these children are in complete dependence on their heroic mothers, those who patiently carry their difficult load and praying for strength in their unrecognized service.
May God bless you, dear special moms of special children! Golden crowns of glory are prepared for you in heaven where you will finally see your «sunny» children strong and healthy radiating in the Sun of Righteousness, Jesus Christ Himself! May God give you the strength to continue carrying out your service with all humility for the glory of God.
Thanks to Nataliya Ivanovna, a mother of a child with special needs herself who leads this wonderful and much-needed ministry, for organizing a great celebration during which everyone felt cozy and comfortable!
O. Avetisova
