Our Stories
And A Child Shall Lead Them
By Andrea Nelson | posted 05/01/2008
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
I have found the last 13 years that my life has been a mission to help others in our community through my son. Kyle was a premature baby who wasn’t supposed to live or have a normal life. He has fought all of the odds and through this my faith has been stronger than before. Kyle has always loved people and reaching out to them to let them know what he believes and ways to make them feel important. This gift of his continues on which I find amazing. For a more reserved person like me, it is a privilege to be his mother and help him embrace these qualities.
Kyle loves parties, and for his thirteenth birthday last month he wanted his friends there but felt like he didn’t need any gifts as he has plenty. As a mom, I thought great, but we give gifts to these friends so why not ask for something back from them. In the invitation we asked each child to bring money, in lieu of gifts, to help a child out for their birthday. We got a hold of Child Haven in Seattle as they have a “Brighter Birthday Club.” This is where you can find out what less fortunate child would like for their birthday, buy and wrap it up for them.
At the party, five 13-year-old boys showed up and brought a total of $140. I brought them to Target to go shopping as part of the “giving” experience. Wow, it was crazy shopping trying to keep six teenagers on track. Their excitement was amazing running through the aisles looking for a doll for a two-year-old girl, bath toys, and tennis shoes for a four-year-old boy and wondering which ones they would have wanted when they were four. They all wondered why they had to buy him underwear, but were humbled when they realized he really must need it. On their own they found shirts, P.J.’s and toys for him as he had a list of ten things both toys and essentials. These boys bought it all! I didn’t have the heart to say they were over budget as I think I had just as much fun or more.
After the party, we wrapped the gifts and drove them to the Child Haven facility. I was thrilled with what God has put through my son’s heart, through mine, my family and what an example it was to his non-Christian friends and to the community. I thank God every day for Kyle and know that He has wonderful plans for him. I used to think God put Kyle here on earth for a reason and now I know He put all of us on earth for a reason. Kyle is my reminder. I am looking forward to see what God’s next plans are for our family!
To respond to this message, email Andrea at andrea@kake.us.
