I have always felt that I could be a writer. However, I could never come up with an interesting topic. There is one exception to that...
I have always felt that I could be a writer. However, I could never come up with an interesting topic. There is one exception to that...
I am so pleased that this website exists and that whoever reads “Lest We Forget” comes to know my wonderful son. Through you, the readers, he somehow comes alive again, and that makes me very proud and very happy. God bless you all, and, Colin, put in a good word for all of us with “the Big Guy Upstairs.” I’m betting He listens to you.
Colin,
Thank you for reminding me of what’s really important in life. Thank you for the gifts of love and inspiration that continues to touch many lives including mine. And Colin thank you for helping me find myself through your wonderful story.
God Bless!
Jodi
Colin, I second Jodi’s statement; thanks for inspiring me to appreciate the simple things in life, and I hope your dance moves across the world. Your touching account will always be with me.
Mr. Willis, thanks for sharing Colin’s amazing story, and I will never forget what I learned in your class. Merry Christmas!
Hello,
I found your site through a Google alert for “trisomy 13” that comes to my email daily. Guess one of your students was moved by your story and shared it, Jodi’s journal article. I’m so thrilled to have been able to read your story and enjoy your Colin, through your words.
I too know your story, All of it sounds very similar to our trisomy 13 journey. My daughter is still living. We too were surprised at birth, and sounds like we also have many of the same hurdles to tackle. You are so right. These kids bring wonderful JOY to all who meet them. And also true they are a lot of work… as you know.
I love the many ideas you shared, especially the table cloth for the coffin with signatures.
I too am Catholic. Natalia’s early years and our spiritual journey are on this site
thehealingpowerofprayer.com
and it grew to livingwithtrisomy13.org
Would you like to share Colin’s story on our Treasured Memory pages?
This may sound funny to you, but I often wonder what we’ll do when Natalia’s time comes. My husband doesn’t want to talk or plan anything… but I know I’ll be a mess when this time comes… I love many of your ideas…Having thought of the balloons myself too, but especially love the cloth idea and having the colorful signatures.
Thank you again for sharing your beautiful son…Colin
Blessings,
ThereseAnn
Mr. Willis,
I shared this story with an online journal I have. Within hours of my post I received this reply back:
trisomy 13
Thank you for sharing this link, I’ve never read this story and so moving.
I too have a trisomy 13 child with trisomy.
She is also 7 yrs., Her name is Natalia
http://livingwithtrisomy13.org/album14.htm
Merry Christmas,
ThereseAnn
I’ve never met this woman, but I am glad your story reached her. Here are the first words I read on her website for Natalia:
“When Natalia was a baby, I had a dream… I just wanted to be able to walk with my daughter hand in hand. Well here we are 7 years later and that dream has come true. A big thank you to those of you who have helped us pray over the years, my little girl is now able to walk hand in hand. We are still working on distance, but for now, I’m a very proud Mom. ”
I find this beautiful.
Merry Christmas!
Mr. Willis, I want to thank you for sharing about your son’s life. What an amazing beautiful boy! I can honestly tell you that his story has forever impacted me. You have opened my eyes on different views and I am grateful for that. And though I don’t know you or your family or Colin- your family’s love, and Colin’s story has inspired me to be a better person. God Bless you and your family Mr. Willis.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3- Colin I look forward to meeting you in our Father’s house. I know you are in an amazing place and you are looking down upon your family and friends waiting to meet them again.
I happen to find your page while doing some research on WordPress Blogs. It’s an amazing thing, this internet. Once I was here I first thought, eh I’ll leave, but once I read the opening paragraph I was just drawn.
What an incredible story about a special little boy. Even many years later after this story has taken place, it can still touch the hearts of many. I do sincerely believe you will see Colin again once this life is over and done with, perhaps God’s own chin and throne is a bit wet with slobber…
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
It makes my heart smile when I see how Colin is still touching lives. I am a former student of Mr. Willis and when ever I think of this story I will make sure that I give God the praise that He deserves for allowing us to learn about unconditional love through Colin’s life.
Peace!
Colin was a beautiful child who I’m sure will have grown into a handsome young man in Heaven. Your allowing the world to share your experiences of being the privileged mother; father; siblings; and extended family and friends to Colin is greatly appreciated.
I’m sure that when it is your time to go to Heaven, Colin will descend on you with a great big hug to show you his love. Until then, it would seem that the butterfly is his symbol of love; this I truly believe.
So in the future, any time I see I butterfly, I will think of Colin and blow him a kiss.
Deb xo
It is both an honor and a privilege to have been in Mr. Willis class and heard Colin’s Choice read by his loving father. It reminds me that although some souls only grace us for a short period of time the love and joy they brought with them and shared lasts forever. Colin’s Choice puts a smile on my heart and every time a see a butterfly I think of the love he left to share with all of us.
Beautiful, I didn’t know about this story of Colin’s Choice until this week. It brought back so many precious memories! So sorry for your loss of Jim! Now he is with his little Bub Bud! God bless! Love Goldie
Just learned about Jim’s death and read this tribute to his loved and loving son. Jim had a great life because he cared so much about others. He leaves behind so much love. May this love inspire us to love others more deeply. Kevin