Tinanong siya ng kanyang mga alagad, “Guro, sino po ang nagkasala at ipinanganak na bulag ang lalaking ito, siya ba o ang kanyang mga magulang?” Sumagot si Jesus, “Ipinanganak siyang bulag, hindi dahil sa nagkasala siya, o ang kanyang mga magulang, kundi upang mahayag ang kapangyarihan ng Diyos sa pamamagitan niya.”

Juan 9:2–3

Fear of the unknown and anxiety ang naramdaman ni Diane at ng asawang si Gabe nang ma-diagnose ang kanilang anak with autism spectrum disorder. Akala nila delayed lang ang speech ng 3-year-old son nila pero nang maunahan na siyang magsalita ng mga mas nakababatang  pinsan, kumonsulta na sila sa isang developmental pediatrician.

The struggle was real, especially when their two other children were also diagnosed with autism. But instead of questioning God, they acknowledged that they are special gifts from Him. They were determined to raise them in the best way they can. Diane quit her job to be a hands-on mom and homeschool their children. Gabe worked mostly from home so he can also help meet the demands of rearing their three kids.

May ibang nagtatanong, “Sumpa ba o parusa ang pagkakaroon ng anak na may disability?” At sa case nina Diane, tatlo pa! Naisip din ito ng mga disciple about the man who was born blind. Jesus told them that his blindness was not caused by sin, “but this happened so that the works of God may be displayed in him” (John 9:2–3).

Sure enough, Diane and Gabe saw how God’s wonderful works are displayed through their children, causing them to be more Christlike. The couple learned from their children to forgive without hesitation, to be patient, to see the beauty and excitement in everything, to strive to be kind, and to ask for help when necessary.

Diane also adds, “We don’t want our sons to feel that their autism is what defines them. They are children of God and His plans for them are beautiful and perfect.”