Introduction
In this reflection, Dr. Beyda shares the story of raising his son Justin—a man with intellectual disabilities whose life has revealed the quiet power of love, faith and belonging. What began as a journey filled with uncertainty became one of profound grace, reminding us that God’s greatest gifts often come through the lives of those who teach us how to love without condition.

Justin has been the heart of our family since the day he was born. From the start, my wife and I knew our journey as parents would be different. Less about milestones and more about moments. We learned early on that love, patience and hope can take on deeper meanings when you’re raising a child with disabilities. Justin, now 42, has taught us more about grace and gratitude than we ever could have imagined when we first held him in our arms.

When Justin was a baby, the future felt uncertain. We didn’t know what his life would look like or what kind of world would welcome him. As parents, though, you don’t get to wait for clarity. You move forward, one small act of care at a time. My wife Charlcye was the champion and crusader for all things that Justin deserved. She learned to advocate, find the right schools, fight for therapies and celebrate progress that others might overlook. She learned to be creative and persistent, to navigate systems that weren’t always built for someone like Justin. Even when the world wasn’t ready to include him, she discovered she could help change that, if only in small ways.

Our faith has sustained us through it all. From the beginning, we’ve believed Justin’s life is part of God’s plan and he was placed in our family for a reason. There’s a quiet reassurance in knowing none of this is random, that God doesn’t make mistakes. When the path has felt steep or uncertain, that belief has steadied us. Prayer has been our anchor, especially in the moments when we’ve felt weary or afraid of the future. And time and again, we’ve seen God’s hand in the people who have come alongside Justin: teachers, employers, friends and fellow performers, each one part of the tapestry of care that has shaped his life.

Watching Justin grow has been a lesson in humility and a source of joy. His reading may be at a kindergarten level, and his writing may be minimal, but his ability to connect with people is boundless. There’s a purity in his laughter, an honesty in his heart and an unfiltered kindness in the way he sees others. For more than 22 years, he’s worked at a local grocery store, bagging groceries and bringing carts in from the parking lot. Some might see that as simple work, but to us, it represents something profound. A place where he belongs, where he’s part of the rhythm of a community. Every handshake, every familiar face that greets him in the aisles, every child who waves at him, those are small affirmations that he’s valued, not for what he can’t do, but for who he is.

Of course, it hasn’t been easy. There were times when the weight of caregiving felt heavy, when we worried about what would happen when we could no longer be there to guide him. There were days filled with appointments, paperwork and long waits in offices that tested our patience. Yet, through all the challenges, we found strength in love, in faith and in one another. Parenting Justin has bound us together in ways words can’t fully describe. We’ve shared fears, tears, laughter and pride. We’ve grown more compassionate, more understanding and more grounded in what truly matters.

One of the greatest joys has been watching Justin perform in his special needs acting troupe. He’s been in 26 musicals, a remarkable number that reflects his spirit and determination. Every time he steps onto the stage, it’s as though the world pauses. He transforms under the lights, becoming part of a story bigger than himself, surrounded by others who share his challenges and his passion. We’ve sat in countless audiences, hearts full, tears in our eyes, as he bows with the confidence of someone who knows he’s exactly where he belongs. Those moments remind us that beauty and accomplishment come in numerous forms and success is best measured in courage, not comparison.

There’s a quiet rhythm to our lives now. Justin still lives with us, and his presence fills our home with warmth. He greets each day with a smile, often humming a tune from his last musical. He finds joy in routine, in helping with small tasks, in being part of the world around him. He has a simple but profound gift. He reminds us to slow down, to appreciate the ordinary, to see the sacred in the everyday. Through him, we’ve learned to notice the small things: a shared meal, a sunset, the laughter that comes from something silly.

Being Justin’s parents has shaped how we see the world. We’ve met people along the way whose kindness has restored our faith in humanity. We’ve also faced moments of ignorance and misunderstanding that reminded us how far society still has to go. Mostly, though, we’ve seen the good. We’ve watched people embrace Justin, not out of pity, but out of genuine affection. He has a way of disarming others, of reaching into their better selves. In that sense, he’s been our greatest teacher.
Now, as we grow older, we think more about the future, both his and ours. It’s a thought that carries both gratitude and worry. We know we won’t always be here, and that reality can be hard to face. We also know we’ve built a community around him, a network of care and friendship that will help him continue to thrive, and an older brother Nicholas, who has always been there, for and with him. That gives us peace. We remind ourselves we’ve done our best to give him not just a home but a place in the world.

Looking back, we see a life filled with love, challenge and meaning. Raising Justin has not been about sacrifice. It’s been about blessing. He has given us a window into what it means to love unconditionally, live without pretense and find joy in being rather than doing. He’s helped us see that worth is not measured by intellect, income or achievement, but by the capacity to love and be loved.

Through it all, our faith remains at the center. We believe Justin’s life has touched others in ways only God could have designed. Every time someone smiles because of him, every time he brings joy to a stranger or shines on stage, we see God’s purpose at work. Justin’s life reminds us that each person is made in the image of God, each with gifts that reveal something sacred. His life has been a testimony, not through words, but through the quiet power of love lived out every day.

We wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. It’s made us better people, better parents and, in many ways, more whole. Justin has brought light into our lives. He’s been a daily reminder that happiness doesn’t come from perfection but from presence. Every smile, every song, every moment with him is a gift we never take for granted.

When we look at Justin, we don’t see what might have been. We know the beauty of what is. We see a man who has touched countless lives just by being himself. We see a son who has given our lives purpose beyond anything we could have planned. And in that, we find peace, gratitude and the quiet joy of knowing we’ve witnessed God’s love in one of its purest forms.

To every parent, caregiver and healthcare professional walking a similar path, may you find strength in the quiet assurance that God’s plan is always good, even when it unfolds differently than we imagined. Justin’s life continues to remind us that every person is created with purpose, and in caring for others, we often discover the deepest meaning of God’s love.

In all things, give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:18).