When I hear the words special needs in any form it brings me back to my days as a child. I was labeled special needs because of being hearing impaired and blind in one eye. My parents tried to find the best resources to help me and when I went to Devereux Day School and had an amazing teacher, I found that even though I had special needs
I could succeed.
Now, Max takes on the same role, one of having the
label of being special needs. To look back on the last twenty-one years I have
realized that Max, now Elder Reynolds has not let those two words stop him from
growth. We often think someone with special needs has limits in life, when really,
they don’t. They are capable to achieve goals!!! My mother was told I would be
a vegetable and to put me in a group home. I’m so blessed that my parents made
the choice to not follow the what the doctors had ordered. Now, I’m a mother to
five amazing humans and have seven fantastic grandchildren. They all have a
role in this big world we live in. Max and one of my grandchildren have been labeled
Special needs too. When Max was six, I was told by a child psychologist that he
would never reach the education level of a third grader. He has proven her
wrong and has achieved straight A’s in algebra and Geometry in high school, with
no tutor!
Elder Reynolds is not only a Missionary, but he is a District
Leader
too! He has not let those two words stop him…He is working towards goals to be
the best missionary he can be. To serve, study, and learn just as if he was on
a proselytizing mission. So many people think a service mission is not anything
big. Well, let me tell you it’s a seven day a week mission. He wears a name tag
like all other missionaries. He represents The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. He reads scriptures, listen to conference talks, has study
time with his companion and has rules to follow.
What is a service missionary?
Service
missionaries serve for 6 to 18 months (young women ages 19–25) and 6 to 24
months (young men ages 18–25). They live at home and serve locally. They serve
as close to full time as their capability and circumstances allow. Each service
missionary is provided a customized mission experience uniquely tailored to his
or her talents, skills, and gifts. During their missions, it is common for
service missionaries to serve in multiple assignments, including approved
charitable organizations, Church operations, and stake-assigned service
opportunities. Throughout their missions, service missionaries are under the
ecclesiastical direction of their stake presidents.
The only difference is he can still swim. He can not attend a swim party, but he can swim laps. Elder Reynolds swims for exercise not for fun. When I mean laps, I mean LOTS of laps. He wakes up every morning at 4:30 to swim at 5am, Monday through Saturday. It’s been difficult at times, but it gives him the opportunity to get his exercise in for the day. Which, all missionaries are supposed to do.
Elder Reynolds has achieved another BIG goal that we are shocked about. He has been selected to attend the USA Special Olympics 2022 games in Orlando, Florida next June!
https://www.2022specialolympicsusagames.org/
Gardening and chickens are still a hobby that Elder
Reynolds has continue to keep up even with the hours he is away from home to be
a service missionary.
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