Pieces of a Miracle

I'm so, so grateful! I was a conduit for a miracle. Through me 9300 people learned about Joal Stanfield and his Eyes of Love. The process of manifesting that miracle was a miracle. Here's a visual to help you understand.
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Eyes of Love

Many of you know that my daughter's 3rd grade teacher, Joal Stanfield, suffered a massive traumatic attack on Saturday and is on life-support.

My husband (as husband's often do), got the details mixed up on last night's prayer vigil. He thought it was at the hospital. It wasn't. That mix-up resulted in Rick and I awkwardly standing in the hospital waiting room in a hive of Joal's closest friends and family. An aunt graciously approached us after a while. She chatted with us about the grim situation and developments. She then introduced us to Joal's father, who after a few minutes, went and got Joal's mother. We four strangers huddled together and wept.

That's where I'll begin the story I shared with them...

My daughter, Allie, is special. She's not your average child. Allie had a rough go in her first years of life. She's had over 10 surgeries and continues to struggle with physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral issues. These issues are no longer debilitating, but they profoundly affect Allie's social interactions.

Last year, shortly after Allie started in Mr. Stanfield's class, I asked the typical question "How do you like your teacher? " Her response brought me to my knees. "Mom! He talks to me! He's so funny."  It was clear that Allie had figured out that some people, unsure of how to approach her social awkwardness, simply avoided engaging with her. But not Mr. Stanfield! He actively drew her out and made her feel a part of the class. He made a special effort to  to call on Allie (knowing her answers weren't always right or appropriate). He would have her run papers to the office for him during the day, making her feel privileged. As the year progressed we got updates on Mr. Stanfield and his frequent shenanigans. Allie beamed when she told the stories, knowing she was a full compatriot in a very special group - Mr. Stanfield's class.

Even after the school year ended, Mr. Stanfield's compassion for his students continued.  Tragedy struck our community this summer when one of his student's parents were killed.  Joal organized a pool-party so the grieving student could have a fun afternoon with his classmates. every.single.student.showed.up. The highlight of the afternoon was the balloon fight against Mr. Stanfield. I, like you, can picture it in my mind's eye and smile.

I have no idea if Joal is a Christian or attends church. It never came up in our parent-teacher conferences :) But I know this...Joal sees the world through the eyes of Christ. Not the distorted lens of religion, with all it's "isms" that drive so many of us away from church (fundamentalism, paternalism, legalism, and on). Joal has Eyes of Love.

Joal could see my daughter's true worth through his eyes of love. He showered her with kindness, compassion and love. Through him, Allie learned that she is worthy of  acceptance, love and respect. Really. Not empty platitudes from our family or an invisible man in the sky. She witnessed it first-hand from someone she valued and respected. Joal Stanfield's kindness changed the trajectory of my daughter's life. And, undoubtedly, many others.

Back at the hospital, as we all wrapped our arms around each other, Joal's mom cried out, as every mother would, "Dear Lord, don't take Joal from us! His work is not done yet! Please don't take him!"

Gloria, you're right. Joal's work is not done. As long as my Allie is here, Joal's work will continue through her. Our family will strive to see the world through eyes of love, show kindness to all, and  make our world a better place, just like Mr. Stanfield taught us.

With a heart full of gratitude that he touched our lives, we are sending much love and peace to Joal's family, friends, colleagues, and community.

Susan & Rick Scott