Let Me Tell You About Miss Beth

Beth, Debbie and Annie at Annie's first Special Olympics in April 2012
 

 

 

Some time during my first few years in Tuscaloosa (mid 80s), I was blessed to meet the most precious little girl. Her name was Beth. Her Mom was a teacher at Oak Hill School where my roommate taught and where I provided Occupational Therapy services through a contract with DCH.

 

This is where a friendship began with this sweet family! Some time back, Beth's Mom, Debbie, reminded me of the time that I took care of Beth when her Dad was injured very badly in a mining accident. Wow! Isn't it amazing how God puts people in your life when he knows it's just what you need. Now I am not talking about him putting me in their life to be able to take care of Beth. He put Beth and her parents in my life to show me how to take care of my Annie! I could not have known at the time the significance of that day for me, but I do now.

 

You see, Annie and Beth have some similarities - the most notable in how they communicate with you without the use of words. Sometimes, it's just their smile that says it all! If the everyone could be as happy and content as these sweet girls, the world would be a better place!

 

To know Beth is to love her! You never see her without a smile...She enjoys life - love seeing her riding around the neighborhood on the golf cart....She has more friends than you can count....She loves her Crimson Tide.....She loves her fur babies.....She has an accomplished "career" as a Special Olympian (probably has more medals than you can count as well)......She is just simply one of the sweetest people you will ever meet!

 

Beautiful ladies - Miss Tuscaloosa, Caitlin Crowe, and Miss Beth at Sprayberry's "Tailgating with the Stars" 2014

 

Let me ask you to pray for Miss Beth who, some time ago, was diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor. It was determined that Beth was not a candidate for surgery. Most recently, Beth's parents were told that the tumor is fast growing and she is now receiving hospice care to help control the pain. Please pray specifically for decreased headaches and seizures and most of all for a miracle for this sweet girl!

 

As a parent of a child with special needs, I always wonder if we are doing all we can do, if we are doing things right, what we would do when faced with certain situations - just so many questions! I only have to look down the street to see the BEST example of parenting a child with special needs! John and Debbie love Beth unconditionally, give her every opportunity available, provide her the best care, and they LIVE their life (the Anderson's have fun!) while displaying a very strong faith in Christ!

 

Thanks, Miss Beth, for showing me how take care of my Annie! Thanks, Debbie and John for showing me how to be Annie's Mom! Thanks to God for placing this family in my life way back when - before I even knew why!

 

John, Beth and Debbie Anderson

 

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

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