Having a special child isn’t easy – most especially for a mother.

“It was very hard to accept Robert’s situation at first. I was worried that other people might maltreat him. I wouldn’t be able to take it if others made him feel unloved. Even if it’s only a thought, I can’t help but feel the pain.”

A Painful Truth

Sister Anavie Tolibao or Sister “Vicky” recalls how it was like the first time she learned that her son has a special condition. “Robert was one year and three months old when we rushed him to a hospital due to Loose Bowel Movement (LBM). After the doctor confirmed that it was indeed LBM, he then broke the news that my child was special. ‘He has Down’s Syndrome,’ he said."

Down’s Syndrome happens when a person has a total of 47 chromosomes, instead of the usual 46. Children with this disorder have higher risks of congenital heart disease and respiratory problems among others. Anywhere in the world, of any social status, children affected by the syndrome share the same facial characteristics. Until now, science has no explanation as to why there appears an extra genetic substance during a child’s development in the womb.

“During that time, I had sleepless nights; tears didn’t stop rolling down my cheeks, ultimately soaking our blanket … It was very painful,” says Sister Vicky.

Seeing other people mocking her own child added to the heartache she felt. “It really pains me when they make fun of my son,” she confessed. 

With a somber face, the concerned mother uttered, “My sole concern then is Robert – how will he be? How will his life be?”

There was even a point when Sister Vicky asked God, “Why did you give me someone like him?” But she immediately thought to herself,  “You are all-knowing; let Your will be done.”

The Start of Something Good

“Great changes in my life started when I got to know Bro. Eli. My neighbour, Sister Che and her family told me good things about Ang Dating Daan. After long and interesting stories about the leader and the entire congregation, I decided to attend their gatherings.”

And an ovarian operation didn’t stop her from listening to God’s words. As soon as she recuperated, she continued to attend Church gatherings. And after just a short time, she made a life-changing decision.

“I enrolled myself in the Mass Indoctrination and thank God I was able to be baptized afterwards. I could never understand Catholic doctrines. Yes, this is the truth, and this should be my faith! ” she said.

Great Changes

“What I noticed after baptism is that I was able to forgive, unlike before. I kept hatred. I let bitterness grow inside me. I thank God for the reminders every time our leaders discuss topics that touch matters concerning forgiveness. It is so important to forgive.”

“I was once a terrible nagger too. It was my nature to speak nonsense when I am heating up with anger. But again, due to the teachings of Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel, I am able to manage or control my mouth and emotions.”

Inspired to Love and Nourish her Child

“For other mothers that have special children I have observed that it is enough to make sure that their child has something to eat, and it stops there. They lose hope for their child without knowing that their children will show to people how they were raised.”

“He needs full attention that’s why I give him my full attention. I do not lose my grip because I have faith that when I show love to Robert he will be loving towards others and will not be unkind or hurt people when he grows up.”

Sister Vicky does this because she sees what others don’t see in Robert. “When I see Robert, I see love. He shows me affection. I take care of him because I want him to be kind. We are taught to raise our children well and cultivate them in being affectionate towards their fellows.”

Her Fervent Prayer

Like a true Christian, she wishes to keep the faith.

“It is my fervent prayer to continue in Faith. I wish to attend every Church gathering. If we have no money, Robert and I walk to the locale. Most of the time he wants me to carry him and he is really heavy. But I endure it, with God’s help.”

She also puts in a small prayer for her loving son Robert.

“I ended up asking God, ‘Take charge my God. Please make Robert healthy.’ I feel so helpless that I lift everything to Him. He is the One who gave me Robert so I know He’ll really take charge of everything including my worries and fears.”

“Thanks be to God though sickness is rampant these days, my Robert stays well.”

“It is a privilege and a blessing to be considered special, especially when the one who’ll do the acknowledging is Our Almighty God.”

God’s people know just how vast God’s love and mercy is – especially for our innocent little ones. Members Church of God International (MCGI) Presiding Minister Bro. Eli Soriano mentions in his award-winning blog site just how important children are to God.

In an article entitled The Truth is the Truth – if it is the Whole Truth, Bro. Eli makes known God’s merciful nature.

“Babes and small children will go to heaven, although they have not the capacity to believe.

(Hebrew 5:13) For every one that useth milk is unskillfull in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

(Matthew 19:14) But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

The whole truth is that Jesus is the Savior, the Way (the only Way) to get into heaven for those who have heard of that good news: The Gospel; but to those who have not heard the Gospel, the good news is, God will judge with mercy, and it is His right and prerogative.”

While a few sadly view children like Robert as a curse to the families they belong to, Sister Vicky knows that what she has in her arms is one of the most wonderful blessings that she could ever ask God for—a sure candidate for heaven.