Matthew, an alumnus at the Little Light House, found a nurturing and loving environment at the school. Both he and his parents felt a sense of peace and love from their first visit. The staff, including administrators, teachers, therapists, and volunteers, were exceptional in their care and dedication. They patiently worked with Matthew, helping him develop and grow in various areas. The school served as a source of support and guidance for his parents, who appreciated the patience and kindness shown to them. Matthew’s time at the school brought about significant progress, including increased understanding and a blossoming personality. His parents were grateful to the donors who made his attendance possible and viewed Matthew’s presence as a gift from God. They were thankful for the love shown to him and all the special children at the Little Light House. Some of Matthew’s achievements included walking independently to class, engaging with peers, showing initiative in play, following instructions, overcoming shyness, and using communication methods effectively.
Our son’s name is Matthew, and he loves going to school at the Little Light House. From our family’s first visit, it was clear that there was something special at LLH. We knew it, and he did too. We could feel a presence of peace and love before we even saw or spoke to anyone. He was a different boy on his first visit. That presence of peace and love has not waned in all the time Matthew has been here.
The administrators, teachers, therapists, and volunteers have been beyond amazing. They’ve patiently worked with Matthew and helped him develop. They are also loving yet firm and help him grow in areas even when he doesn’t want to. They are dedicated and very knowledgeable about any topic we think to discuss. Not only were they loving and patient with Matthew and all the other children, they were the same with us. We were over-protective parents with many questions and concerns, asking questions we knew had been answered many times before, and we always received a patient and gentle reply. As I think about it, this wonderful place wasn’t just a blessing to Matthew. LLH was a blessing to us too. I suspect many parents of LLH children would agree.
We’ve noticed this year that he understands a lot more than we ever thought and is becoming quite the little…“person”.
We are so thankful for all the donors who have made it possible for Matthew to attend LLH. So many people and companies have given their time and wealth: many more than we will ever know this side of Heaven. I thank God that he has moved in people’s hearts and guided their hands to deliver this special ministry of love to these amazing children.
As Matthew’s father, if there is anything I am most thankful for, I know that Matthew is loved here. All of God’s special children are loved here.
As we move forward into the next season of life, we do so with courage. Matthew’s name means “Gift from God.” We always keep that meaning in our hearts as we know that God gave us a good thing when He gave us Matthew. Rattana and I, as well as our children, are becoming more like Jesus because of him. We realize that God didn’t “do this to us”; he gave Matthew to us…for us. We thank the Little Light House for continually reminding us of the wonderful gift that is Matthew.
Successes achieved in two years at LLH:
– Happy to walk to class in the morning by himself
– Started to engage with peers in class
– Shows initiative in play
– Willing to follow commands to finish tasks even when he doesn’t want to
– Come out of his shell/shyness
– Loves end of class because he knows it’s time for Mr. Thomas to begin vacuuming
– Willing to touch items and explore different activities during therapies and classroom explorations with food and textural items
– Communicates his wishes and desires through LAMP. For example, he knows how to tell us that he wants to dance to music on Spotify
– Written by Matthew’s Dad
