Enlarging Capacities

When I held our son Ian for the first time on the day my husband and I adopted him, I felt certain he was a gift to me from Deity. When he was 10 months old, doctors informed us that he was legally blind and mentally disabled. I felt devastated as the specialist explained that it would be best to expect little of his future. In my heart, I knew Ian was an individual with a meaningful purpose, and I could not believe that he was incapable of growth. Shortly thereafter, my husband and I divorced, and I was left to raise Ian on my own.

Six years later, after I had been introduced to the gospel and joined the Church, I met and married a man who became Ian's father in wonderfully supportive ways. We learned that Joseph Smith taught that "all the minds and spirits that God ever sent into the world are susceptible of enlargement."1 We felt the Spirit witness truth to our belief that there was someone of great worth underneath our son's disabilities. We found a renewed hope and determination to help our son grow.

By the time Ian was 16 years old, we were able to secure a place for him at a progressive college for the blind that catered to all of Ian's disabilities. The college was a seven-hour journey from home. Although we had been working toward Ian's independence, it was extremely difficult to hand his care over to someone else.

My fears were calmed when members of Ian's new ward in Harrogate, England, proved to be true examples of the gospel in action. Each Sunday a different member of Ian's ward invites him to their home. As a result, he feels like a cherished part of many families. The opportunity to socialize and develop friendships has aided him in achieving his goals. This tradition has continued every Sunday for the past 21 years, and it has brought great comfort and joy to Ian and to his father and me. Words are inadequate to express our thanks for the ward members' selfless service.

Ian has come so far since his original prognosis, and the members of his ward have greatly contributed to his progress. He is now living on his own with limited help from caregivers. He takes care of his own household chores and offers valuable service to others with disabilities. After completing a specialized training program, Ian now works as an office assistant at a college for the blind as well as at an organization for the elderly. He also helps an elderly friend with her shopping once a week and participates in temple work. Ian is a valuable contributor to his community and has proved to be a great inspiration to those who know him.

Frances A. Lewis, England