***If the download link isn't working, please, just right click on the word art and save it to your computer.***

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Cards for Sebastian

Download wordart here

***Sebastian's surgery has been rescheduled for March 7, 2012***

***Sebastian's surgery has been postponed until March. As soon as I know the exact date, I will share it with you. I will save all the cards that we receive for his hospital room. To see a list of the cards received to date click here



Sebastian is a student in my class and his mother has given me permission to share some of his story with you.







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Sebastian was born with something called Arthrogryposis. It's a big word and an even bigger condition. I won't even try to pretend that I understand it fully. As a matter of fact, until the day I met Sebastian, I had never even heard of Arthrogryposis. Basically, it means that he has stiff joints and abnormally developed muscles. I don't know or understand why some children are born with this condition or why some are more seriously affected than others. I do know that Sebastian's arms, hands, legs and feet are affected by this condition.

I am his teacher and if I do my job with any measure of success he will leave my room a little wiser than he entered. The things I have taught him are considered valuable and useful. The lessons I have learned from him are priceless.

I have learned perseverance. Picking up a dropped pencil or paper isn't always easy when your fingers, hands and arms don't work the way they were meant to work. While it may not be easy, with a little effort and a lot of determination, it is not impossible. Nothing is impossible.

I have learned patience. It would be easy for me to simply "do" things for him so that I could move on to the next item on a checklist of things that must be accomplished everyday. However, the easiest thing isn't always the most honorable. Sometimes, no matter what anyone tells you, the lesson plans can wait.

I have learned perspective. The challenges I have faced in my entire lifetime are nothing compared to the ones he has faced or the challenges he will continue to face on a daily basis.

I have learned that screaming like a frightened little girl when I see him start to tumble and know that I can't catch him before the fall isn't the best reaction.

I have learned, that sometimes, letting him fall is the kindest thing I can do ~ literally and figuratively. It is the only way he can truly test himself. The only way for him to explore and expand his limitations.

I have learned the true meaning of courage. I have seen the scars that mark his little body. Scars from more surgeries than most people undergo in a lifetime. Scars that will be added to as he faces even more surgeries.

For the first time in my life, I have actually learned what the quote, 'You are as happy as you choose to be' really means. This little boy, who has every right to be angry at the world isn't angry at all. He has chosen to be happy and that happiness is contagious.





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He is loved, protected and happy. The world is his playground. While he will always be loved, he can not always be protected and sadly that means he may not always be happy.

Recently, his mother told me that she was out in town with Sebastian and for the first time she noticed other children pointing him out because of his differences. She cried because the thought of anyone looking at her child and not seeing the wonderful little man that she sees breaks her heart.

My heart breaks because I know that eventually Sebastian will notice the finger pointing. He will learn, at an early age, that people can be cruel. Whether it is a desperate need to feel better about themselves or for reasons that not even they understand, people will be cruel and Sebastian will be seen as an easy victim.

He will be judged and found unworthy by people who are not worthy of judging. People who don't know him and will never take the time to have a conversation with him. People who have never seen him walk with me to close the playground gate so that he can scare away any monsters or bad guys that may be lurking near by. People who don't know that his alter ego is Justin Bieber and he only goes by Sebastian when he doesn't want people to know that he's famous. People who have never seen him rush to the side of a classmate he believes is sad or hurt and heard him ask, "What's wrong, partner?" People who have never heard him answer their response with a determined, "I'm your friend." People who don't know that he loves the smell of his mommy's house. People who don't know that I have warned his mother, on more than one occasion, that he will probably be the president of his college fraternity someday. People who don't know that if he were Mario, he would save the princess everytime. People who weren't there to see the look of pride on his face when he walked across the swinging bridge on the playground for the first time. People who don't know that he wants to be Spiderman when he grows up. People who don't understand that what the world really needs is more Sebastians.






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I have come to you so many times in the past and asked for things that you have given openly and freely. Your response has always exceeded my expectations. Today, I am asking you for something that means more to me than anything I have asked before.

On February 15th, Sebastian will go into the hospital for another surgery. I would love to have his room filled with cards wishing him well and cheering him on. It would be wonderful for this little boy to feel the love that each card brings. (I know it will help to cheer up his mom too.)

Maybe, just maybe, when the day arrives that he notices the finger pointing and hears the name calling instead of being sad he'll remember the day that people from everywhere filled his hospital room with love.

If you can help out, please send a card to him.





If you're worried about your card arriving too soon or too late, feel free to mail it to me and I will make sure it gets taken to his hospital room.


Sebastian
c/o Ms. Brown's Class
Greynolds Park Elementary School
1536 NE 179 Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33162

***Since the surgery has been postponed until March, it will be best if future cards come to the school address. We are saving the cards and will decorate his hospital room with them.***
Thank you so much for helping. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.




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47 comments:

  1. I LOVE today's word art and your beautiful message about an amazing little guy we can learn something from.
    Totally in tears now, thanks Ginger.
    Getting some cards ready right now.
    Those kids are so lucky to have you in their lives right now. Teachers ROCK!

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  2. Wow - you did an AWESOME job writing about Sebastian. I totally understand how you feel as I had a younger brother who was crippled from encephilitis at the young age of two years old. I remember when Roger couldn't even step over the little wooden threshold between the living room and the dining room. He would fall and I would try and help him up (I was four at the time.)and he would say to me, "Leave me alone, I can get up all by myself!" It was a learning experience for me too. Roger grew up to be a wonderful man who was loved by everyone who knew him. He worked until he died at age 62 from something not related to his disease.
    Sebastian is blessed to have you as his teacher!

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  3. I think he's adorable and I wish I could give him a big hug. You can see the sparkle in his eyes.
    My card is on the way. Bless you all.
    Sue S.
    (I hope he likes The Lion King)

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  4. Thank you for sharing such a touching story. I will definitely be sending a card for Sebastian and I will ask the ladies in my stamping group on Saturday if they will make a cards for him too.

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  5. Wow! What a beautifully written tribute to Sebastian. I have some stamping friends that I will get your blog link out to, for some more cards sent his way! Thank you for sharing a tiny part of his story! Thank you too for another awesome freebie

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  6. i kno sepastian personally, since he was born ive known him, i havent seen him much the last few years but i can promise, his presence in a room can alter perceptions of life. vulnerability, and redefine what we refer to as happiness and courage. his smile brings elation to down spirits and his pure affection is unprecedented. his mother is one of the strongest people on earth and sebastian is soul is serenity in a world of thunder.he might not recognize today... unless i told him i got funky monkeys in my pocket.

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  7. I've sent this link on to other family and friends, especially those with children so they can all send cards as well. Such a wonderful little guy, so much stronger than many of us! Thank you for the chance letting us share a card with him!

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  8. Got this link through a friend through a friend. I know it is going out to a lot of wonderful people, and hopefully, Sebastian will have a room full of happy wishes for him. What a great little guy.

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  9. What a sweet little boy whose smile speaks a thousand words. Thanks for sharing his story. My card to him will be among the many others I hope he receives. Blessings to him and his family. :)

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  10. Posting this on my blog...God bless this sweet child and you for sharing his story with us.

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  11. What a wonderful child and he has a wonderful teacher in you! It would be my pleasure to send a card.....Your blog post brought a tear to my eye and hopefully, this little man's life will always have wonderful people in it to help him get through the times when those that are not so wonderful show their face.....

    Hugs to you.
    Hugs to Sebastian!

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  12. Wow...I found you through Charlene's blog. I have tears in my eyes...for you being you and for Sebastian beng Sebastian. He sounds like a most magnificent boy. I'm going to work on a card tonight.

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  13. This is so beautifully written. You are such a great and caring teacher. It's terrible to be judged without someone getting to know who you really are first. My heart goes out to Sebastian. I will send him a card.

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  14. Found you through Amy T. and he is a gorgeous young man!! And I can NOT tell you how much your story has touched me, as my daughter has a skin condition that requires surgery every three months.... and while she is recovering from her surgeries, she gets dirty looks and strange "What's wrong with her?" looks from people (sadly, mostly adults)...because of the way she looks during that time. I will be making a card and sending it on your way!! Thanks for sharing his BEAUTIFUL story! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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  15. Absolutely amazing story about an extraordinary young man. This is truly touched my heart. I will be sending a card.

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  16. Found you through Amy T. You are doing such a sweet thing for Sebastian. I will be sure to make him a card. :)

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  17. Hi! I read about your card drive on Amy T's blog. I'm sending you something. And I wanted to let you know that I think you are awesome!

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  18. What an amazing kid! TFS. Good teachers are rare!

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  19. Wow, sounds like such an awesome little guy and he is so very luck to have such an amazing teacher in his corner, Hugz. I wanted to share a quote I once heard with you....
    Children with disabilities are like butterflies with broken wings. They're just as beautiful as other children, but they just need a little help to spread their wings.

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  20. I found you through Linda (Scrapcat Cards). Thank you for the quote and this "story." It's definitely something for all of us to try to keep in mind. I'll do my best to get a card to Sebastian right after his surgery. Thank you for what you're doing here.

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  21. OMG What an angel you are and what a sweet little boy you have in your class! I have tears in my eyes reading this and have a card in my hand ready to send in the mail tomorrow for Sebastian. The world needs more teachers like you!
    I found you through Amy T and I am so glad I did...thanks for sharing Sebastian's story!

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  22. What a wonderful story about Sebastian. It touched my heart. Sebastian is so very lucky to have you for a teacher. I will be sending a card very soon. Thank you for letting us be a small part of Sebastian's life if nothing else but to help him to keep smiling.

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  23. What a precious little angel he is! I am a teacher too, and this story has truly touched me. He is truly an angel on Earth. Thank you so much for sharing this story. I will do my best to get a card out to him. I can tell you are a wonderful teacher and I am sure Sebastian just adores you. Keep up the good work! Thinking and praying for Sebastian and his family.

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  24. what a precious child of God!! i am sure you are a huge blessing to Sebastian.
    will have a card in the mail for him tomorrow. :)
    thanks so much for putting this request out for us to help bless him!!

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  25. I came through Yvonne (via Amy's) blog and will definitely do my part to send Sebastian a card! His story really touches me and I hope he will keep his spirit up despite the illness. You are Sebastian's guarding angel! sending hugs from Canada

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  26. What an amazing young man. God has placed him here and he is perfectly wonderful. Thank you for sharing his story. My family will pray for Sebastian and will send him some cheer.

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  27. Thanks so much for doing this...I'm mailing my card today....:)

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  28. Thanks for sharing Sebastian with all of us, I agree we need more! I will start making a card anf get it out to him.

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  29. Thank you for sharing about this precious little man. I think you are both lucky to have each other as "teachers".

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  30. I found your blog from Amy Tsuruta's and she found out through Charlene. My card is done and going out in the mail today - I'm sending to your classroom. Thank you for sharing and allowing us to help out! :)

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  31. Charlene, Amy Tsuruta & Karan Baker all had posts about this sweet boy- Thank you for sharing his story! I've been working on a card tonight!

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  32. Thank you so much for sharing this little boy's story. Sometimes kids can be our best teachers. I'll be sending a card soon!

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  33. What a sweet post! He is lucky to have you for a teacher. Card will be in the mail today.

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  34. Very sweet post. I have posted about Sebastian in my blog, redirecting my followers to your to read your amazing post. I have also sent out emails to those that do not have blogs so they can send out cards. I am from Florida myself and have a special needs child. She is 20, but is in college and is doing great. I have to Thank you for your amazing work. Not many teachers take the time to care. I will be sending a couple of cards out to you.

    Ana

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  35. http://craftsfriendsangels.blogspot.com/2012/02/sending-some-love.html
    This is the post i did and the card will be on it's way to you, sorry if a bit late, but all the way from South Africa.........:))
    I am humbled here by your caring, this little boy's courage, words i don't have right now after reading this piece, just know that you are so appreciated by us for doing this and Sebastian is loved all over the world, tell him that please!!
    Here is a link to fix the comment prob, cause i could only reply and not just leave a comment..
    http://craftsfriendsangels.blogspot.com/2012/02/blogger-issues-nr2.html
    Be Blessed and lotsa luv

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  36. I'll be sending him a card! Thank you, Ginger, for inviting us to send cards to him and for sharing his story.

    Teri
    Paper Crafts Go-to Gal

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  37. I'll be sending a card tomorrow! Very touching story and he's lucky to have a teacher like you!!! (=

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  38. Wow, what a wonderful thing you are doing for this amazing little boy. I have an 8 year old boy in 3rd grade that is wild as can be, and always getting in trouble at school. His doctor says his a hyper child and can't sit still for long. I ache when I hear the teachers complain that he's a disruption to the class or is easily distracted. I hurt for this mom that has to see the pointing and stares of others towards her child. I wish Sebastian lots of blessings and may the surgery be a success and thanks to you for all you do! Hugs and God bless

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  39. Thanks for the amazing work you do with this little boy. May his surgery be a success and blessing follow him all trough his life. Thanks for sharing this with us, I will make some cards and mail them out to him and hope that it cheers him up. Hugs and God bless

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  40. You are so sweet to be doing this for Sebastian. He sounds like a great little guy and a pleasure to know. I sent my card today - to your school address to be on the safe side. I pray the surgery is a success and Sebastian is back in your classroom soon.

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  41. Thanks for the great word art! As the mom of a son with severe dyslexia and as a future teacher of students with special needs, I really appreciate this! Hope to find time to make a card for your special little student; as a fulltime college student time is at a premium, but will sure do my best.

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  42. My god what an inspiring little man. I'm so sorry to hear about all the surgeries he faces but wow he really is an inspiration. I'll get a card made and sent to him for sure.

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  43. Thank you for sharing the story of Sebastian....he's the type of little guy that helps you put things into perspective.

    I'll definately be making a card for him...when I can see through my tears! lol. Wishing him good luck with this and all the further surgery he's going to need xx

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  44. A most heart warming story! And a teacher who I am in awe of. Thank you for working at making a difference in Sebastian's life. My card goes in tomorrow's mail. Grandma Mary in Florida

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  45. Finally my card is done and ready to post, I was determined to get one done as I too have been lucky enough to work with someone who sounds very similar to Sebastian and like you I learnt so much and my life was so much richer from knowing him. Thank you for the opportunity to share in a small part of Sebastians journey
    Diane
    Have added a link to your post on my blog

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  46. Sebastian's story is a story many live... thanks for sharing his.. as they are all so special to our world...he is lucky that you are so special to his world...thanks for letting us take part too...

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  47. Thanks so much for the sentiment! As a teacher-in-training for children with special educational needs, I really appreciate this.

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