Nick's Kids (the day Baker met Coach Nick Saban)

A few weeks ago I wrote a post titled "I never knew I wanted a child with Down Syndrome until I had one."

Today, we had the amazing opportunity to attend Nick's Kids. Nick Saban and his wife, Mrs. Terry, hosted a fabulous event in The Zone (at Bryant Denny Stadium). It was truly first class. A huge, huge thank you to the director of Rise for inviting us. What an incredible honor to be there among such greatness.

You may also remember me posting about the day Baker got to meet former Alabama Head Coach, Gene Stallings. You can read it here (and see a pretty adorable picture of Baker and Coach Stallings).

Of the many reasons I have to be thankful for Baker's different ability, none are that our family has the opportunity to meet famous Alabama Head (and former Head) Coaches; but one is because I get to see a side of them many of their fans never do.

I get to see their hearts.

The world knows them for their wins, for their football expertise, for their recruiting classes, for their conference and National Championships, for their fame.

Me, I know them for their compassion.

"...you will know them by their love." John 13:34-5

 

 

 

 

He was enamored at the field.

It was beautiful, albeit slightly more peaceful than any given Saturday in the fall.

 

 

 

When we got home, Baker refused to part with his hat autographed by Coach Saban.

I love you big, my sweet little Bama boy.

 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

My heart overflows.

Brian and I have so many reasons to give thanks with grateful hearts. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for burdening the hearts of others, and giving us the opportunity to be recipients of their love. Thank you for the generosity of the Saban family. Thank you for letting me see others through your eyes. Thank you for the gift of Baker and the other children in the room with us today. What a blessing each of their lives represent. Thank you for making them fearfully and wonderfully. Every good and perfect gift is from you.

You tell us when the words won't come, that you will intercede for us through wordless groans. I beg you, do that for me now. Although rare, I have no words. They have escaped me. I can simply smile a grateful smile, as tears bound.

My heart truly overflows.

Baker meets Coach Gene Stallings

 

 My mother and father, like all good parents, raised children who love Alabama football.

 

We learned the names of the Alabama coaches and players like we learned the name of Jesus and his twelve disciples.
 

Like all good Bama fans, we paused for a moment of silence every time we passed Bryant Denny Stadium and football Saturdays were a day of reverence and one to be regarded with the utmost respect.

Talking about Auburn was like talking about the devil.
 

And wearing Tennessee orange was the unforgivable sin.

 

This picture was hung very prominently in our living room.

 

I knew Coach Stallings was important, because there wasn't another picture in our house as big as this one. Not even one of our family. And my mama really loved us. So I grew up knowing this man was really, really loved. And this man was really, really important.

 I soon learned there were some other things that made this man one worth admiring.

 

And it had little to do with the events that transpired between goalposts on Saturdays in the fall.

Coach Stallings was a man who loved the Lord and loved his family.
 

I remember watching him on the television and seeing pictures of him in the newspaper.

He was rarely photographed without his son, Johnny, by his side.
 

Johnny had Down Syndrome.
 

I see this picture daily as I walk Baker through the halls of Rise,

also known as the Johnny Stallings Center.

 

When the opportunity came today for Baker and I to meet Coach Stallings,
I could not contain my excitement.
 

This man, a National Championship winning Alabama Football Coach,
was also a parent of a child with Down Syndrome.
 This man opened doors and paved roads and created opportunities we are benefiting from today.

 Baker is a recipient of his loving kindness.
Our family is blessed by his.

When I met him today, emotion erupted.
The only words I uttered, "It's an honor to meet you, Coach Stallings."

And on our way out, the most sincere, heartfelt "Thank you," ever to have passed through my lips.
 

 

 

Baker knew, and I knew, it was a true honor to meet such an incredible man.

 

Life is Good

We headed to our favorite college town this weekend in honor

of Mal and Chad's upcoming nuptials

and the first University of Alabama home football game.

 

It was the perfect weekend.

 



We invited everyone over for breakfast Saturday morning.

Friends, food, football.

Good stuff.

 

That boy loves his daddy!

 

My mom took over my camera so I could visit with friends.

I love the memories she captured.

Time with friends and family is so precious!

 

 



Friends stood in line to hold my little.

There may or may not have been a timer involved.

Blesses my heart the way he is loved.

 

 

 

 

I love these girls!

 

 

The weekend ended with a lesson on the Ukulele by DK.

Baker Boy loves some music.

He just sings and sings.

True story.

 

 

 

Fall is in the air.

The leaves are turning,

The Tide is winning,

Friends are visiting,

Life is good.

Life is very, very good.