KW Breakfast Blessings

Our family was invited to attend the Keller Williams first annual inspirational breakfast this past Thursday. We were lovingly welcomed by many fans of little Gates and a room filled with realtors from around Ft. Myers and a large representation from Teen Challenge. Gates was very uncomfortable at first (Paul thought so many men in white shirts, ties and dark slacks, China uniform of choice). Bridger was so relaxed as the only other child in the room that at one point I looked down where the boys were pushing matchbox cars next to our table on the carpet and Bridger had unbuttoned his jeans because, 'the muffins in my tummy need more room'. Bridger usually says what is on his mind. That can be impressive or somewhat embarassing. After the third or fourth person bent down to try to get Gates's hesitant attention, Bridger piped up loudly, "That's okay, I know I'm not invisible." Not sure who he was talking to exactly. I think it was just one of his general announcements. Like when we go into the Ladies Room and he shares, "I'm in here. Nobody use the hand dryer it hurts my ears."

Paul and I were given four minutes to fill at the microphone and Bringing Gates Home was our topic.
Aimee brought Gates up at the end and the applause was warm and generous toward us all. Pastor Mike from Next Level Church who is also our personal friend was invited to offer a motivational message to those in attendance and he talked about keeping the dream in your heart alive even when all the input in your current circumstances leads you to hopelessness. He used the story of Joseph's captivity and deliverance as his example of triumph in adversity. It was wonderful!

Gates warmed up after Aimee handed him her digital camera so that he could review some recent pictures on it's screen. People sitting close by were able to hear his little voice at last, "Bridger Look! Monster Truck!" (Bass Pro Shop Pictures). As we were leaving, I shook hands with a very young man from the teen challenge drug recovery program and he offered, "I was adopted when I was two." I responded, "Your parents must be so thrilled to have you for their Son." He smiled and received my compliment humbly, but with a smile of consideration making me think that he was aware of his parents' love for him. May God bless our little boys with a knowledge of our devotion and His that will saturate their hearts and motivate them to wholeness in in this often very broken world.