From the time he was born I knew that Isreal was a promise. With a blood clot in my leg at 11 weeks pregnant, it was a miracle that both Isreal and myself survived. All through my pregnancy, I had to take blood thinners and I worried constantly about his health. Isreal was born a healthy 6lbs 11oz and I was relieved. All was seemingly well until about 2 years old when we noticed that he didn't try to talk or play with us. We also thought that his hearing may have been impaired as he didn't respond to his name or anything else for that matter. He always played alone and quietly. After a recommendation from his pediatrician we got him tested and in April of this year he was diagnosed with Autism. The road has been challenging and we are still seeking treatment options for Isreal but today at 3 yrs old we learn to understand and work with him; to learn how he sees the world. He can read, write, spell and he has an amazing memory. He loves learning new songs and eating fruits. He has a unique sense of humor and he's very affectionate towards those who care for and love him. At home, he's the youngest and at school he's a genius since no other three year old in his class can read or navigate a computer as well as he can. Yet in my heart, he will always be a promise, a promise that reminds me that God allowed him to live for a purpose and that purpose may just be to teach and inspire us that with faith all things are possible and that love bears, hopes and believes all things!

Maxcia L. Rigby
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands