Magical...

Magical! That is pretty much the best way to summarize everything going on. Let me start this post by sharing something with you (but if you're not in the reading mood, please go straight to the videos below). At times we feel compelled to speak on Ammon's behalf in a very literal sense. We are Ammon's voice and words at times. We try so hard to convey verbally the things that Ammon is wanting to share through his feelings, movements, and expressions. Many nights when it's Ammon's turn to say family prayers, someone in our family will be his voice, as if it were Ammon speaking, and we try to say the words that he wants to express (at times this is a daunting and humbling endeavor, but to hear Brynn be Ammon's voice is unforgettable). Sometimes in these prayers we sense that Ammon is praying specifically for a family member or friend, is praying for how glad he is to be part of our family and have the friends he has, or is simply praying for a good nights rest. But being Ammon's voice is only one of the many ways that we sometimes feel compelled to speak the words on his behalf.

Just like all of us, Ammon has specific missions that he has been sent to accomplish. In being Ammon's voice at times, we've learned that one of those missions is to bring joy and inspiration into the lives of his family, friends, and even strangers. We've realized recently that Ammon knows this is one of his missions and gifts, and he experiences great joy in return as he sees this particular mission being fulfilled. Several recent examples in this regard, among the many. Santa coming to our house this last Sunday was the result of one of Ammon's newest friends that only met him the day before. She had never heard about or even really knew Ammon until Saturday, yet in the short time she was near him and was able to hold him in her arms, Ammon conveyed an eternal sense of happiness and joy, without even saying a word. So much so that overnight she was inspired to return to our home again in the morning to be with Ammon, hold him tight, and organize a visit from the real Santa.

On Monday our family had the opportunity to go on the annual hay ride put on by our friends and neighbors. The hay ride goes around the neighborhood, with Christmas songs ringing, and about 20 happy riders for each trip. On each of the three trips our friends graciously stopped the hay ride in front of our house so Ammon could wave Hi from the front window. While we were warming ourselves by the fire and eating treats after the ride, many people expressed how much joy they felt just through Ammon's presence at the window. I was particularly happy this night because I also got to see my little friend Sophie (Sophie is a beautiful little girl with special needs that radiates many of the same feelings that Ammon does).

We still can't say enough about all our secret Santas, and all of our friends and family that continue to selflessly serve and love Ammon and our family. Through all this service, Ammon is realizing that one his missions is being fulfilled on a daily basis and this has recently brought him so much joy. Over the past few days Ammon can hardly contain himself at times, and the joy he's feeling from each of you is being shown in his laughs and smiles. In fact, we haven't seen Ammon this happy or laugh this hard in a long time, at least since before his diagnosis. So without further reading required, please enjoy laughing with Ammon (in one of these he might look like he's crying, but he's actually laughing so hard he almost can't breathe).