Sunday, May 27, 2012

Sunday Snapshot - my youngest son



My Youngest Son 1

He has a big name for such a little boy, our 
"William Michael Yousheng."
At age 6 years - 4 months, he is 42 lbs.
of fun, feisty and activity.

My Youngest Son 2

Pretty much from the moment we met Will in China, it was obvious he was a gifted child.
He's very intelligent but he's also a deep thinker. Will understands the concept of time travel, 
comprehends death and the implications of it, knows directions (North, South, East and West), 
and grasps the days of the week and time passing. 
Many of these things have become apparent when he asks us questions
about specific topics
and we had no idea he even knew about them.

(I love his strong hands).
My Youngest Son 3

He's gifted physically as well...he loves anything that's physically challenging.
(Dance and gymnastics for him...so far. He'd like to try karate next).
He reads (far above his grade level) and writes (more legibly than Dan).
I don't have any idea what he'll become when he grows up but his
outgoing, friendly and compassionate nature could lead him into
many careers.
I would love it if he became a doctor or a person who helps people.
Mostly I just want him to be happy.




My Youngest Son Diptych

Four years ago we found Will on our adoption agency's special need's list.
His special need was a repaired cleft lip and palate.
This superficial physical anomaly has been beautifully repaired and by the time
he's an adult it will only be a vague memory.
However, Will's real special need wasn't his cleft. His real special need
is related to an emotional disability and chemical imbalance in his brain.



My Youngest Son 4

And now as we hear words like "low levels of norepinephrine and dopamine " and "neurotransmitters".
They're words that have meaning to me because of my nursing background, but
now those words have additional meaning because they explain some things.
For the entire time we've had Will we've been learning more about him and
learning from him - attempting to understand and help this complex child.
He has sensory issues, problems with anger and defiance, and difficulty
attending and focusing in school.
We have a long road ahead, with no easy answers or a quick fix to any of this.
But we'll do whatever it takes to help Will cope with life and school a bit better.
Will has such a dear sweet heart and caring nature;
we want the world to see who he really is and not label him.



I am a photographer but that's just a part of who I am.
My most important role is that as a mom and right now my son needs me.
I couldn't possibly love this child anymore than I do right now.


Ni Hao Yall

The black and white of Will was taken about 30 minutes before sunset
and composed in camera using
the rule of thirds. 

Nikon d700
85mm 1.4 lens
f- 2.2
1/250 sec.
ISO 320











22 kind words:

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

He is an AMAZING little boy....and even though I have never met him, you can just see there is something super special about him!!

He has come so far and I have no doubt that he will continue to surpass everyone's expectations.

He is a blessing.... Beautiful photos of your handsome boy~

Enjoy the rest of your weekend~

xo,

Lisa

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

the chemicals of the brain overwhelm me. I can only imagine how you and Dan feel.

But, knowing you two as I do, you are on it to do what's best for this amazing little boy.

I will keep you close in thought and prayer and you try to comprehend what this all mean.

lea
xo

Unknown said...

What a lovely post about your amazing and handsome son! I understand what you are going through Gail and I too don't want labels on our children. I know you will do whatever it takes to help him and God, definitely has special plans for your strong Will!

Love you and enjoy the long weekend!
Jill

Diane said...

When I look at Will...I see a Beautiful Blessing From Above. LOVE these photo's of your handsome young man! The first one is my personal favorite:)
God Bless,
Diane

Kim said...

Love that smile.. your kids make me know why I sooo do NOT regret the journey to Isabella... one day we will meet in person and that will make it even better..
I love you ..
Have a great Sunday..

Heidi R said...

Beautiful post from a mother's heart. I am happy you celebrate the wonderful son that you have. His light really does shine bright for all to see. Trying to figure out what works best is just a season which will pass. It will get easier.

Heidi R said...

Beautiful post from a mother's heart. I am happy you celebrate the wonderful son that you have. His light really does shine bright for all to see. Trying to figure out what works best is just a season which will pass. It will get easier.

Jboo said...

What a great post about your sweet Will. He is pretty amazing, isn't he. Your love and guidance will go so far in helping him in the days ahead as it has already done. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Love Letters To China said...

Well said my friend, well said. You are one amazing mother and with the help and guidance he has from both of you, he will go very far in life.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!

xoxo

abrianna said...

I like that first shot too. Amazing.

Stefanie said...

Will is something incredibly special, indeed! Your love for him just overflows in your words, AND in your pictures... God certainly placed that little guy in the perfect family for him to SHINE :)
oxoxo,
Stefanie

Michelle said...

He is adorable and how blessed you are to witness the world through such an incredible boy!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful little boy you have there. And lovely photos of him. Everyone has their struggles, but it sounds like Will has so many strengths to help overcome them, and of course one great mama to help him do so. (And how often those 'struggles' actually turn into strengths too. Sometimes kids who are very sensitive become the most compassionate adults.) You're doing a great job with him, Gail! That's obvious by his sweet smile:)

Laurie said...

I so enjoyed reading about Will this morning. He sounds like the most amazing child, and even though we've never met and I don't really "know" you, I do think he has a most amazing mommy! :)

Unknown said...

I enjoyed reading about your beautiful child. It seems he is very intelligent for his age. Those issues will disappear in time, because he has such a loving mom and dad to help him.

I also enjoyed all the photos, especially the B&W one.

Blessings!

the meaklims said...

He has a wonderful strong name to help carry him through life, which will be amazing, because you are his parents and you are ready to face whatever comes... and He will too, because he gets his strength from his parents.

I was emotional reading this. He is such a special boy. Love that top photo of him, it's like he is embracing the world.

Jill

Debbie said...

Gail, your pictures are amazing and the pictures you paint with your words are even more amazing.

Unknown said...

I am so glad you get to be his Mommy! And you are so right about being his Mom. That is far more important than anything else in the world. I hope he continues to grow well. Don't worry for one second! All of this will be a distant memory when he is 20 : )

Gina Kleinworth said...

He's an incredible boy. Hearing you describe him makes me so excited to see where he's headed. I know great things are in store for him- it's fun to imagine & dream of all those possibilities.

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

What a beautiful boy and so thankful God chose you to be his mom~ you are right! HE NEEDS YOU!!! Thankful you are willing to hear the hard things and do all that needs to be done~ that's what us moms do. He is SO amazing!!! Reminds me SO much of my Will. They both have strong hands and my Will has big strong feet too. Blows me away to see how little and skinny he is but such big hands and feet~ tells me he is growing into himself. :) Thank you for sharing the true, hard stuff~ so meaningful for other moms to hear it is not all beautiful photography... real life goes on there. I know we all love and support you beyond belief~ bless you precious friend!!! XOXOXO

Sharon said...

Have you heard of or do you use the company Neurogistics? They specialize in this and working with adopted children. We used them for a couple of years. Great company.

Hannah said...

What a sweet boy. You can just see the joy and spunk in his eyes :) He reminds me a lot of my son Dmitry. I know he brings as much joy to your family as my boy does to mine. They are special boys who will grow to be great men :)

 
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