Last Sunday, I was distracted the entire Mass. It was hot in church and I had a hard time concentrating on the Gospel or the Homily for that matter. After Communion, I bowed my head and closed my eyes to aid my focus in silent prayer. Suddenly, I felt a prompting to open my eyes and look over at my daughter.
Her right hand was on her knee. My husband had placed his hand over it, interlacing their long fingers. I smiled at the sight. The trust this beautiful young lady has in her Daddy is so evident in those hands. The very fact that she sits beside us is a miracle.
As many of you know, my Courtney suffers from a seizure disorder that has left her blind, non-verbal as well as severely physically and mentally disabled, functioning at a developmental level of seven to twelve months in age. The doctors told us she would not survive her first birthday but God had a different plan. She fought bravely as the seizures battered her mind and body.
They said she would not survive her third birthday, but once again God had a different plan. She stood at deaths door that summer but refused to enter. She has continued to face the frightening barrage of seizures, hospital stays, illnesses, and surgeries not once giving up. My little girl is now a young woman and the doctors say nothing anymore.
As the memories of holding those beautiful hands through every single crisis is replaying like a black and white movie in my mind, Courtney surprises me. She picks up her left hand and puts it on top of my husband’s hand grasping it and squeezing, then leans over in her wheelchair gently placing her head on his shoulder.
I hold my breathe.
Tears come quickly, clouding my vision but I refuse to take my eyes from the miracle occurring next to me. My daughter is telling her Daddy she loves him the only way she knows how. It is an extremely rare gesture that fills my heart to overflowing. I stare trying to take in every detail so I won't forget this precious moment because I do not know if it will come again.
I used to dream of Courtney speaking. Oh how I have prayed to hear her say “Mamma” or “I love you.” I railed at God lamenting the fact that my daughter could not communicate with me. Then when she was three I began to notice how she would tilt her head or reach for a hand. She would smile when you read her books with silly voices and giggle when you sang very bad country songs in a low voice. She had her own love language and I was the one who needed to learn it.
I know now that “I love you” comes without a spoken word. She says it with a giggle as we swing her at the park or a crooked little smile sweetly given after macaroni and cheese for lunch. She says it with a soft hum during nighttime prayers or a head gently placed upon her fathers shoulder.
It is the most beautiful love language I have ever heard. It is one I hope to keep hearing for many more years.
This week the lovely Miss Courtney has a birthday. By a miracle of God she turns 18 on Wednesday, August 18. It has been a particularly challenging year for my girl as many of you know. She was hospitalized with the swine flu back in November and has been battling a difficult weight issue since March. Through all of this she has continued to fight daily seizures with incredible tenacity and grace. She continues to speak her very own love language for the world to hear loud and clear.
So on this Monday I am incredibly grateful for:
#25 - blond curls leaning on Daddy's shoulder
#26 - long fingers intertwined in prayer
#27 - tears of clarity
#28 - 18 years of love and sweet giggles
#29 - quiet moments contemplating the wonder of life
#30 - daughters
I have a job for you my dear readers to help us celebrate the BIG day . I want you to leave a comment on this post and tell Miss Courtney "Happy Birthday". Leave your favorite bible verse that gets you through a tough time or a word of encouragement. Let her know what your thinking.
I will read your messages to her on Wednesday when we go to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. It has become our yearly pilgrimage to the chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes to pray for her intercession for Courtney. For my non-catholic blog readers this is just like asking your friends to pray for you. We call upon Our Lords Mother to pray for Courtney and intercede with her Son on Courtney's behalf.
Last year we had about 50 comments. I know we can supersede that this year.
Let's show Miss Courtney the LOVE shall we!!
I can't wait to see what God has in store for my girl this year!
Blessings,
Mary
Thanks to Ann@Holy Experience for hosting Multitude Mondays.
52 comments:
Happy Birthday sweet Courtney!
Here's wishing Courtney the happiest birthday yet! She brings smiles to so many faces and hope to so many hearts. She is an inspiration to many. She always amazes me with her laughter, curls and strength.
I also want to wish her mommy and daddy a happy 18 years! The two of you are amazing people and give hope to other parents going through similar ordeals. I always look forward to your light hearted jokes and positive attitudes when we meet. Thank you for being you!
Happy 18th Birthday to my amazing, beautiful, and inspiring Goddaughter! You bring joy to everyone who knows you and I'm privileged to be a part of your amazing family. I was there when this journey began and I can't believe that you are now 18! You are a fighter and have a strength unlike anyone I have ever known. Love, Aunt Sharon
Hey, Courtney!! I miss those giggles...Happy Birthday!! You know I'll call on Wednesday and sing to you- I know that REALLY makes you giggle!!
Love and hugs!!
Cza
Miss Courtney, we have never met. Yet, I love you as I would love my nieces. You are obviously the apple of your mama's eye, and I take such joy and happiness hearing about you through her words. By the way Courtney, your mama is a phenomenal writer. But I bet you already know that because I believe with all of my heart that you know so much in that beautiful mind of yours. Some day, a long time from now, you and your mama and daddy and brother will meet in heaven. And you will tell them exactly what you were unable to tell them here on earth. You will say, "Mama and Daddy, Jonathan, I loved you from the moment I felt your sweet hands on me. I felt your tears of sadness, frustration and joy, and I wanted to tell you that it's ok. And I want to thank God for giving me you as my parents and my big brother." And then, I sincerely believe, the angels will sing! We all thank God as, thanks to you, we have learned so much about the many different faces of love through you, dear Courtney. It's your birthday, and we should be giving you gifts, and yet you are the one who gives us gifts....every single day of your life. God bless you Courtney, and thank you for allowing me to know you through your mama. I wanted to wish you a very happy 18th birthday. Love and hugs and kisses to you! Your friend - Debra
Wooooo Hooooooooo! Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Birthday!!!!! BIG 18!!! Congratulations to a beautiful girl.
Our family has birthdays in August too! - August babies are PERFECT and full of LOVE!!
James 1:17!
Big smiles and much love on your birthday - from the Gilliland family in the Florida Keys
Happy Birthday, Miss Courtney! We love you and your family very much. You remind us to trust God as we struggle forward on this earth, hoping for and in Him. Thank you, Courtney, for the amazing work you do for us all. God bless your family for the love and care they give you. Phil 4:4 is a favorite of mine. With much love, Meg, and all the Kilgannons
I have never met you Courtney but I want to wish you a most delightful birthday. May you know the love of many on your special day and most of all may you know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by our God and King.
May God bless your mom and dad too as they surround you with love and good things on this special day.
grace and peace to you
~a
Happy Birthday Courtney! From your friends Debbie and Niki!
Deborah M.
deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com
Dear Courtney,
What a blessing you are to the world!! We are so glad you're here. You teach us every day about what real Love is. God was kind to share you with us--you reflect Him back to us every day in your shining face. I'd like to share with you, in honor of your birthday and all the struggles that you've overcome so bravely, a happy, celebratory Bible verse that a writer I admire shared with me. Her name is Debbie Macomber, and, like your amazing mama, she's a woman of strong faith. Here it is:
"Now glory be to God who by His mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of--infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts or hopes."
Ephesians 3:20
God bless you, Courtney, and all your family. Happy 18th Birthday, sweet girl!
Big hugs,
Kieran Kramer XOXOXOXOXO
Happy, happy Birthday, Courtney!! May the Father's love surround you and your family this year in THE MOST AMAZING way!!!
Romans 8:38-39
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[o] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
from Courtney's Godfather:
"Courtney - you have been and continue to be an inspiration to me. You have faced adversity with grace and laughter. Your spirit is infectious as is your laughter. I love being your Uncle and Godfather. It is amazing how fast times flies by. I still remember holding you during your baptism. May God continue to bless and keep you well! Happy Birthday!!!!!! Love Uncle Rich, Aunt Jen, Caden and Trevor"
Here is my b-day message for Coutney:
Happy birthday, Courtney. You are a living testament to the power of
miracles and love. You have taught me so much about acceptance and helped
me make some great improvements in my life. Many blessings to you and your
family!
I hope you all enjoy the day.
-Michelle
Happy Birthday, Courtney. I loved it when you sat in with us at Barnes and Noble for our writing session. Your smile was infectious. Wow. Eighteen. Have a wonderful day. I'll be thinking of you,
Karen
Happy Birthday, Courtney! I unite my prayers from here in Washington State to the prayers of your family, in thanksgiving for the beautiful gift from God you are.
One of my favorite Bible verses in times of struggle: "....but those who hope in Yahweh will regain their strength, they will sprout wings like eagles, though they run they will not grow weary, though they walk they will never tire." Isaiah 40:31
May God Bless You!
Happy 18th birthday, Courtney, you sweet girl! Your mama thinks you're the most adorable thing on earth, and I can see why! Wishing you lots of love, smiles, and birthday cake!
~Mary
Dearest Courtney,
Happy 18th Birthday!
You are truly a gift and miracle from God to all of us.
It was such a pleasure to get to know you and your family years ago
when we tried to pattern you. My family was honored to come to one of
your birthday parties at the park, I think it may have been your 10th,
or 11th birthday. God Bless you and your family!
Cherie, Joe, Marra, Thomas and Lucy S.
One of my favorite prayers I share with you for your birthday;
The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen
Courtney,
In the Hebrew language every number corresponds to a letter. So Aleph (A) equals 1, Bet (B) = 2 and so on. It just so happens that 18 equals Chai, the Hebrew word for Life. So on your very special 18th birthday, rejoice, sing, love and celebrate life!
All my best,
Linda
Dear Courtney,
Happy Birthday, SWEET 18! We love you very much and are so glad that God has blessed our live with you. Have the most wonderful day and give your family the biggest smile ever!
Prayers and love,
Kathy, Lyle, Christian, Eddie, Meggie, Annie, Gracie and Lainie
Courtney,
I want to wish you a very happy 18th birthday. You are an inspiration to all of us. I love hearing you sing with us on Sundays at Mass. I know the Lord hears those sounds and they are truly glorious. Thank you for sharing your life with us - you have made all of us better for it.
Love
Debbie and Stephen Brown
Courtney, dear miracle,
You are a deep well of gifts, overflowing with a nourishing love that feeds all around you - even those of us who know you only through the words and caring of others. I may not know bible verses, but I do know Motown and here's how I think of you when your mama beams and brags on you: "You are sunshine on a cloudy day." Happy Birthday, sweetie!
Love and hugs,
Keely
Courtney, dear miracle,
You are a deep well of gifts, overflowing with a nourishing love that feeds all around you - even those of us who know you only through the words and caring of others. I may not know bible verses, but I do know Motown and here's how I think of you when your mama beams and brags on you: "You are sunshine on a cloudy day." Happy Birthday, sweetie!
Love and hugs,
Keely
Courtney: I see your family with you, and I see what a blessing you are to them, and to all of us. You are an example of strength and perseverance in a world which mis-identifies those things. I pray for you and your family every day, and so does my family, including my 18 year old daughter. Continue to take care of your mom. Be strong for her -- she needs you.
--Chris
Happy 18th, Miss Courtney. That's quite a milestone! Enjoy your big day.
Dear sweet, beautiful girl! You are so very lovely and I hope to meet you in person some day. I am happy your Mom has shared you with us - you've taken up residence in a special place in my heart and I will be eternally grateful for that!
Love,
Darby
Courtney ... what a gift you were 18 years ago, what a gift you are on your birthday, what a gift you will continue to be tomorrow. I thank God for your love and laughter and the privilege of being blessed with you, your mom, dad and brother in my life during my short time at St Mary's.
For your birthday I wish and pray: That you and your family, as they hope in the Lord, that He Will renew all of your strengths; may you all soar as on the wings of eagles!
Love & prayers,
David Costanzo
A most beautiful and blessed birthday, Courtney. Your life is a living testament to the power, beauty, dignity, and sanctity of each and every life.
"Come to me all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light."
Matthew 11: 28-29
Happy 18th Courtney!
It has been many years since our families were together in Virginia Beach. Your dad and my husband were roommates on the carrier. While they were out to sea your mom and I would often get together with you, your brother and my two children. We would attend mass at the Little Creek Chapel and you even came to my daughter's baptism. You have grown into a lovely young woman and I want to wish you a very Happy and Blessed Birthday. With love from all the Dunnes (Mary, Reed, PJ, Sage and Shelby)
Dear Courtney,
Blessing to you on your birthday! What a wonderful place to be able to be--at the Shrine.
I remember sending a message last year, only it feels like just a few months ago. I can't believe another year has flown by.
Every night I pray the Divine Mercy Novena for you. I have a printout of it by my nightstand with the date of 7/20/09 when your mom sent it to me. I think it was just for the nine days, but I have kept doing it and thinking of you.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Courtney, I know many times your mom and dad have worried about what your future holds--tomorrow, next year. That's their job as parents to worry, right? But I know that God, who knows that wonderful plan for you, will continue to take care of you.
Happy birthday!
Maria
Courtney, Our family wants to wish you a very Happy Birthday! May this next yeart bring you health and happiness. We are grateful every day to have you be a part of our lives, You teach without saying a word, May God's blessings be with you always.
Dear Courtney,
You and your family have been in my prayers for years and will remain there!
I love this scriptural passage from Romans 12:
Be joyful in hope, persevere in hardship; keep praying regularly.
May you have a wonderful birthday,
Betsy
From Her Grandmother Green:
"Dearest Courtney,
so you are a woman at last! And how do you feel about this? Such a special lady, such a beauty, and with such a sense of place. I often wonder if Jesus and Mary speak to you in ways I cannot fathom. Somehow I think so, especially in those pensive moments around the Eucharistic celebration. You tilt your head and your facial expression is calm yet intense. Oh, how blessed you are to know Jesus and Mary in such an intimate way.
May you enjoy all the blessings and joys of this special birthday. May you come to know Jesus and Mary in an ever more intimate way as you laugh and sing with them. May peace be with you and may love surround you, especially today.
And Courtney, when their presence is nearest, ask Jesus and Mary to wrap their arms around your brother and parents. They are so fragile and they need His loving presence. Then all will be well.
Forever your loving Grandma Green"
Dear Courtney,
Many, many blessings to you on your 18th birthday! I can tell through your mom's writing here on her blog how much you are loved by your whole family. God bless you as you celebrate this special day!
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
Through God's plan for you, dear Courtney, He has brought you this far & will continue to carry you. Have a wonderful day!
Dear Courtney, Happy Birthday! It has been a long time since we've seen you I suppose around twelve or more years ago. You were young and beautiful just like you are now. Enjoy your day and your trip to Dc tomorrow. Safe travels to your and your family. We love you!
How am I missing these posts! I know I've been swamped from Com Boixes, but this is huge. I'm sorry. I need to recheck things.
Courtney..happy 18th B-day. You are indeed a child of God - MADE IN HIS IMAGE. You have a purpose and you make God so very, very happy. You live the childlike faith God wanted in Eden that was lost. You have what so many of us seek. You rely, trust, and love like God desires of us doing. You are perfect and whole.
Bless your mother for her incredible strength, your dad for his love, and your brother for his care. Your family is so special.
I'll be praying for you! Blessings!!
Mary - Love you!!
Dear Courtney,
Happy Birthday.
Just want you to know that among my moments closest to Jesus is when I get to be the minister of Holy Communion in your part of the Church. It is an extra special blessing for me to bring Jesus to you. Having your Mom or Dad help me makes it even that much more special.
Our friend Joe Fleming said he read somewhere that when we are ministers of the Eucharist, we are like the donkey on Palm Sunday. Thanks for letting me be your donkey.
Happy Birthday!
Your friend,
Tony D.
Happy 18th Birthday Sweet Courtney from the Caputo Crew!
What a fine, beautiful young lady you've grown to be in these past 18 years. There are lots of things I love about you, but in particular, I love your smile, your big, carefree laugh and your amazing head of unruly blonde curls!
Despite all of these things I love about seeing you, my most memorable memories of you are when I can't see you, rather I just hear you.
Late at night.
While I sit in your living room and you are supposed to be asleep for the night.
But I know you're listening to your Mom and her friends.
Taking in all of our triumphs and struggles, our joys and our burdens.
And then taking them upon yourself.
Offering them up to the Lord in your own special way.
Sometimes that way is so intense and so strong...our burdens so heavy...that they become a physical reality for you and a seizure begins.
Those times must be scary.
I know that they scare me.
But they're also beautiful.
It is during those times fraught with anxiety and fear that I have so closely felt the presence of Jesus.
Right there in your home.
With you.
With all of us.
Sitting.
Praying.
Glorious.....
Love the Caputo Family!
Happy birthday, Courtney!
The first verse that came to mind when I thought of you today was Philippians 4:4 - "Rejoice 4 in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!"
Thank you for your joy.
God bless,
Anna
Courtney,
You have certainly taught me more about faith, hope and love than anyone else (except perhaps your mama).
Although the road has been difficult at times, I wouldn't trade a minute of the journey.
I really enjoy our daddy-daughter couch snuggling time as you watch John Wayne and other guy movies without hogging the popcorn.
I could, however do with a little less drama at times, although I know that's what teenage girls do.
Happy Birthday, my little sunshine.
Daddy
To be 18 on the 18th - a VERY SPECIAL Birthday! May God continue to watch over you and your family. And may each birthday be filled with love and laughter!
Jody (from Indianapolis)
To Courtney, a poem for your birthday:
You get chocolate once a year,
or so I'm told,
to celebrate being
another year old
Enjoy your cake,
and make no mistake,
It's perfectly acceptable
to lick clean your plate!
So have a great day
and know that coming your way
are smiles and joy
and a big "Happy birthday"!
~Julia P
Happy Golden Birthday, Courtney! My favorite verse from scripture is from the gospel of John. "it was not you who chose me, rather I who chose you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last" John 15:16
Hey Court,
Happy 18th birthday to our beautiful Curlyhead! We love you and are so glad for the blessing of you and your momma, poppa and Jay in our lives!
Mr. Ryan, Mrs. Ryan, Deidre, Katie and Jack...
(and Joe who loves to "kiss" your face and make you giggle:0)
1Peter3:4 But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Dear Courtney,
Happy 18th birthday! You have grown into a beautiful young lady, and are an inspiration to all of us.
We asked your cousins what they wanted to say, and they sang you Happy Birthday (and many more!). Except for little Sean, he just said what sounded like "gorilla," but the sentiment was there.
As my favorite Bible verse isn't really birthday related, I am sending you some favorite song lyrics, so here goes (thanks to Katrina and the Waves):
I'm walkin' on sunshine, woh-oh
I'm walkin' on sunshine, woh-oh
I'm walkin' on sunshine, woh-oh
And don't it feel good?
Hey, all right now
And don't it feel good?
Hey, yeah
We hope you have a wonderful and blessed birthday, and many more to come!
Love,
Uncle Andy, Aunt Nancy, A.J., Sarah, and baby Sean
Dear Courtney,
Happy 18th birthday! You have grown into a beautiful young lady, and are an inspiration to all of us.
We asked your cousins what they wanted to say, and they sang you Happy Birthday (and many more!). Except for little Sean, he just said what sounded like "gorilla," but the sentiment was there.
As my favorite Bible verse isn't really birthday related, I am sending you some favorite song lyrics, so here goes (thanks to Katrina and the Waves):
I'm walkin' on sunshine, woh-oh
I'm walkin' on sunshine, woh-oh
I'm walkin' on sunshine, woh-oh
And don't it feel good?
Hey, all right now
And don't it feel good?
Hey, yeah
We hope you have a wonderful and blessed birthday, and many more to come!
Love,
Uncle Andy, Aunt Nancy, A.J., Sarah, and baby Sean
Dear Courtney,
What a milestone! Eighteen years! Happy Birthday!
Although you and I have never actually met, I feel I know you and your wonderful spirit through your mother. You have been such a wonderful gift to your family and I think of you often as you've become a special part of my life.
May you have a wonderful celebration today!
Much love,
Lisa Dyson
Beautiful Courtney,
Good morning on this most blessed day, YOUR 18th birthday! Know that we love you and love your smile and your good and pure heart. We patiently wait for the day that we will see you dancing in Heaven's meadows! On today, we will sing with you - "My God, I love You because of the graces which you have given me! O Jesus, I love You! Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation!" Blessings and big hugs on your special day! With love, the Beez
Happy Birthday, Miss Courtney! You are an inspiration, and so are your parents. They love you very much! Wishing you a very Happy Birthday and a blessed year ahead.
Happy Birthday Beautiful Courtney!
My favorite bible verse that got me to where I am today is "I will not leave you nor forsake you. I command you: be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go"-Joshua 1:5&9
Let it guide you and serve you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Hey Courtney!
Happy 18th Birthday!!! Hope you have an awesome day. You are so beautiful in God's eyes and you reflect His love to others through your smile and laughter. Have fun being 18!
Hannah
Happy Birthday, Courtney (just a little late!)! from Jan...
Happy Birthday, Courtney. May you continue to be a blessing to this world: a sign of contradiction to a world that increasingly takes a utilitarian view of humanity, only seeing worth of persons in what they contribute materially and economically. You show us love and trust and vulnerability and vitality and remind us, without saying a word, that every life has meaning, purpose, and value, because every life comes from God.
My favorite Psalm for meditation is 63:
Oh God, Thou art my God,
For Thee do I long;
For Thee my soul is thirsting;
My body pines for Thee like a dry, weary land without water.
So I gaze upon Thee in the sanctuary
To see thy strength and Thy glory.
For Thy love is better than life.
My lips shall speak Thy praise.
In Thy name I shall lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled, as with a banquet.
My mouth shall praise Thee with joy.
On my bed I remember Thee.
On Thee I muse through the night,
For Thou hast been my help.
In the shadow of Thy wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to Thee,
Thy right hand holds me fast.
Post a Comment