An excerpt from “Waiting for the Light Bulb”:
“You have probably heard the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That could not be truer for my Isla. Greg and I are the oldest of both of our families. Together we were the first to graduate college, first to get married, and first to have a child. We made everyone grandparents, aunts and uncles for the first time, and they had fantasies, too. I assume they fantasized about what Isla would be like and act like and how they would spend their time with her. I assume they fantasized about babysitting and building a relationship with her. They were not expecting this, either. But you know what? We have many people in both of our families who love my Isla. They have patience with Isla—the kind of patience that only is possible when you truly love. They embrace every single oddity and behavior with kindness and understanding. They love her even when it’s not easy, even when it’s inconvenient, even when it’s messy.
And oh how Isla loves them all. She craves their attention and time. She is her most true self with her family because they allow her to be. So yes, it takes a village to raise a child and an even more exceptional village to raise a child with special needs.”
So today… let’s hear from Isla’s family…
For this special post I asked Isla’s immediate family to answer one or both of these questions:
1. How has Isla changed your perspective about special needs or behavior? Or changed you in general?
-and/or-
2. What do you love most about Isla?
Walter – Isla’s Popo
“All I can say is I love her with all my heart; always have and always will. She stole my heart since she was a baby!”
Gaga – Isla’s Grandma (Greg’s mom)
Gaga’s favorite picture of Isla.
“I love her beautiful smile.
I love her hazel eyes.
I love her crazy hair.
I love her silliness and wittiness.
I love her through her highs and lows.
I love her whole being.
I especially love her loving heart!
Isla Love was heaven sent.”
Tia Lyssy – Isla’s Aunt (Greg’s sister)
“Isla has changed me as a teacher for sure. She unknowingly has taught me that students experience learning differently. With state tests being a great push in the classroom, I lost sight of what learning really means to some students. It ISN’T about a score! Learning for Isla is simply learning how to help family. How to be a better sister, cousin, daughter, niece. Learning for Isla is how to control her frustration and communicate what she wants or needs. I take this into the classroom and celebrate what may seem to one as a small accomplishment. Honestly most of the praises I give my students are about how they dealt with their feelings or how they handled a situation. Thank you to Isla for reminding me that my role as an educator goes beyond content! I love Isla’s heart! This girl genuinely wants everyone to be happy! She sees us as God sees us!”
Tio Jofus (Joseph) – Isla’s Uncle (Greg’s brother)
“What I love most about Isla is her smile. Not only is it a beautiful smile, but it’s always genuine. Her smile reminds me to be authentic and genuine with my emotions. Her smile brings me joy because I know she, in that moment, is nothing but happy.”
Tia Joann – Isla’s Aunt (Joseph’s wife)
“Isla has changed my life by teaching me to enjoy the small things, like sprinkles and whip cream on my morning coffee or listening to my favorite song. Her face and spirit can light up so quickly it’s amazing and inspiring. As a speech pathologist, she’s changed my perspective on my personal practice to recognize it’s not the goal or the percentage that matters, it is the smile, the successful interaction, and the family that matters most. My favorite thing about Isla is when she says “hi”. It is with such intention and true value to be with you. I know her brain is saying so much more that her words aren’t expressing. You can see it in her eyes. There is no one I know that has a more meaningful two letter, single syllable word. She’s amazing.”
Tia Karina – Isla’s aunt (Greg’s brother Joe’s wife)
“Isla has definitely contributed for me to really think outside the box. But more than anything, Isla has shown me the beauty of just truly being yourself and to appreciate and accept a helping hand.”
Tio Eric and Tia Cassie – Isla’s uncle and aunt (my brother and his wife)
“Isla has taught us to be more understanding and compassionate when interacting with different people of all kinds. Isla in our lives has also made us much more comfortable and confident to interact and help others with special needs.”
“We love how Isla is so hyperaware of others and their feelings. If you get a haircut, Isla will notice and will compliment you. If your day is not going so great, Isla will notice and will ask you what’s wrong. In a world where it feels like most people are just stuck in their own heads and preoccupied with their own troubles and needs, Isla is the complete opposite. It’s refreshing and beautiful.”
Tio Aaron – Isla’s uncle (my brother)
“Before Isla, I never really thought about autism or kids with other mental/physical disabilities. I was courteous and kind when seeing these individuals or their families but never bothered to understand or empathize with what they were going through.”
“I love Isla’s unconditional acceptance and love, even for strangers who haven’t earned it.”
Tia Erin – Isla’s aunt (Aaron’s wife)
“I never knew anyone personally with special needs before I met Isla. Her unconditional love, desire to be helpful and ability to put a smile on everyone’s face is what has ultimately changed my perspective on the special needs community.”
“I love how Isla loves people. I met Isla when her Tío and I started dating back in 2014. She was 7 or 8 years old at the time. From day 1 it was like Isla was letting me know that I was “in”. She grabbed my hand and made me feel at home. Isla does that with everyone she meets. Everyone is “in” with Isla.”
Ama – Isla’s Grandma (my mom)
“Isla is Isla; growing, maturing and learning as the years go by – she is my sunshine. I love that she’s my granddaughter – she makes me happy when skies are gray.”
Welo – Isla’s Abuelo (my dad)
