Twenty-seven years ago today, your arrival made me as happy as I have ever been. I hope you are that happy today.
Tags: Joseph Gallup
One Response to “Happy birthday, Joseph”
obody knew what hurt little Joseph, and no one was offering a way to help him. He cried most of the time, and thrashed about as if in pain. He wasn't learning how to crawl, talk, or interact normally. Doctors told his parents to seek counseling, because nothing could help their son, and the quality of their own lives was at risk. Refusal to accept that advice changed their lives forever. WHAT ABOUT THE BOY? A Father's Pledge to His Disabled Son chronicles a family's rejection of hopelessness and their commitment to the pursuit of normalcy.
19. May 2012 at 15:19
Steve – I have an interview schedule with you on Tuesday of this coming week. I have two, so I can’t remember at home whether it is 2:30 – 3:00 or 3-3:30, and I will call you a couple of minutes early at 858 651-7940. I honestly don’t always read the whole book – doing two a week, but I have read every page because it is so well written and interesting – painful and sad in realizing the extreme effort you & Judy were making to do everything possible for Joseph. I was so sad to read about Judy’s illness and death, but I am so happy for you that you have a new family, and Joseph has a sister, brother and new mom. Honestly, as I read about your search for help, the crawling, ladder, walking miles, The Institutes, your extreme commitment, I couldn’t stop reading until the end. I confess that I thought you would have a breakthrough any minute with the language and other advances, and I was surprised at the end of the book when Susannah said “He’s talking, Daddy!” I sort of thought that would never happen.
I will use the questions in the PR material because they are good, and I know we can never get into the intensity of your journey in a half hour. I did have in mind to ask you “how you would do it differently” – but in your questions, it says “what is a reasonable objective”, so perhaps you will cover some of that? My husband and I are Christians; found salvation when our marriage almost broke up, which will be “40” years this November! It was very special to read that you and Judy found the Lord and His strength and peace in the midst of all the challenges you were facing. You, Judy and Joseph are amazing, and blessings to you and your new family. I know for sure I will meet you one day! Sue