I am learning one open heart can change the world.
On a sunny Sunday morning last year, we arrived at church a few minutes early. David slowly climbed the steps, one at a time, while holding my hand. Once inside he pulled away from me, wanting to explore the sanctuary before the service began. I set down my bag and followed closely behind him. I had no idea what was about to happen.
David lives life inside a body that doesn’t cooperate. Because of his disability, he is very small, has only two fingers on his left hand and is non-verbal. David can’t speak with words but he has much to say. He communicates through gestures, physical touch and heart connection. As he moved around the room he ran his hand over the smooth wood of the church pew, weaving in and out of the narrow space. Then he crossed the aisle and made his way over to a woman sitting by herself. She was in her late thirties, had a kind face and a gentle presence.
We’d never met but that didn’t stop David from approaching her. As he got closer, the woman looked up and smiled at him. Once beside her, David turned around and backed up to her—it’s his way of asking to be held.
“He wants to sit on your lap.” I explained. “He can sit next to you if you prefer.”
“No,” she said, “I’d love to hold him.” She carefully lifted him onto her lap.
He tenderly wrapped his arms around her neck and laid his head against her shoulder.
“Is this okay?” I asked, anxious to be considerate of her space “Would you like me to move him?”
She looked up at me with tears in her eyes.
“My mom was diagnosed with cancer a couple days ago.” she said in a quiet voice. “I just needed a hug so badly. He knew exactly what I needed.”
I bent down beside them and touched her knee softly as she and David embraced. It was a holy moment of connection that soothed a hurting heart.
In that moment he gave her love, changing her world.
So often I rush around, trying to take care of people, trying to serve, trying to be good enough, trying to prove myself.
David doesn’t worry about these things. He is present in the moment. He is fully himself, unconcerned with what others think.
David’s simple act of love brought hope and beauty to this woman’s day.
He saw her and without pause met her exactly where she was.
It wasn’t accidental.
It wasn’t complicated.
It was David’s open heart that created a beautiful connection.
Maybe it’s not only grand, heroic actions that change the world.
Maybe it’s the quiet moments, when, in humility and brokenness we meet each other right where we are.
We offer hope and love.
We are present to witness another person’s pain and offer soothing grace.
When we stop rushing, stop trying, stop proving, we can be fully present in the moment.
We can be fully ourselves and open our hearts to each other.
David is showing me one open heart can change the world.
We have a few wall nooks around our home and it seemed the perfect place to create a little vignette with 
This is one of my favorite pics of Matthias and Beasley the day before we said goodbye. Beasley was still able to stand and walk. The very next day he couldn’t bear weight on his legs and we knew it was the day to say good-bye.
I love the bow ties and their cute expressions! The aqua background is perfect for our home.
We got a few family shots with our sweet pups those last few days. There is so much light and love in this pic!
The perfect nook, a spot we pass by 100x a day–so can 
Last days, ears flapping in the breeze, soaking up the sea air. So much love!
That blue truck was Steve’s when he was a little boy and he called it ‘Wonderfox’ which is awesome.
David was very mellow and cuddly which worked out fine. The staff was so kind and really tried to find some things he could eat. In the end they brought him some soft cakes and apple juice. So fun!
Champagne for the adults. ❤
Matthias brought his drawing supplies and stayed busy during the tea. He tried many of the sandwiches and cakes. I think he would have preferred a burger or chicken nuggets but hopefully someday he’ll thank us for the experience.
Have I told you how much I LOVE scones with clotted cream and jam?!
Lindsey is with us to help out with David and it’s been wonderful having her along.
Very serious faces for a very serious afternoon tea.
More Earl Gray please! With a little milk and one sugar. Have you ever done a proper tea? {To clarify, the tea was proper but we definitely didn’t have all our etiquette down. Oh well, we had fun!}