Graduation only the latest triumph for David

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“Life is like a mirror. If we frown at it, it frowns back. If we

smile, it returns the greeting.”

-- UNKNOWN

This is a story about an inspiring young man -- a person who

smiles at the world and to whom the world readily smiles back. His

story is difficult to condense into a short column, for he has

achieved much in his 19 years, and he’s touched many lives along the

way. Those of us who know him well have learned a deeper appreciation

of the meaning of perseverance, hope and faith in God.

Let me begin my story with his recent accomplishment -- that of

graduating from University High School earlier this summer. I was

thrilled to attend the graduation ceremony and congratulate my nephew

David Chapman. He worked hard for his diploma as all graduates do.

And his participation in this year’s graduation exercises was

something extra special for him, as well as for those who know him.

David is a wonderful and charming young man who just happens to have

Down syndrome.

Since his birth, David’s life has required ongoing adjustments and

new ways of thinking for everyone in our family. My sister Marty and

her husband Dave, David’s parents, rose to the occasion and have been

an inspiration to countless people who are dealing with children with

special needs. I talked with Marty soon after David was born and she

had heard both positive and negative input about the challenges

ahead. She and Dave chose to trust God to help them pursue the

positive path and their faith, family, friends, professionals and

volunteers all helped them on their journey.

David’s journey to graduation included early schooling, therapy,

open-heart surgery and years of hard work. To say it has been

challenging would be an understatement and would also be terribly

incomplete. David’s journey has also included years of fun, church,

camps, cotillion, baseball, basketball, drama, soccer, swimming,

singing, skiing and Boy Scouts. I think everyone who has known David

has been touched and blessed by his excitement about life, his

contagious smile and laugh and his love of God.

His older brother Matthew proudly said, “David’s graduation was a

momentous occasion, and he is a happy and contributing member of

society.”

His younger brother John added, “David is always loving, is super

nice and can make friends easily with anyone.”

His parents echoed that and added, “David is an inspiration. He is

enthusiastic, loves people, dreams big, prays well, and people are

touched by his prayers and his hugs.”

David is now enrolled in an adult transition program, learning job

and life skills, and he works four afternoons a week at Sam’s Club.

He is also completing his last requirements to become an Eagle Scout.

David threw his cap in the air that day along with all the other

graduates. My hat is off to David, his family and all those who meet

challenges with courage, strength, smiles and perseverance.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.