A prayer written by Cole's Aunt Missy.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways." Isaiah 55: 8-9

"Dear Lord," the young couple prayed, "Send us a child. Make him healthy and strong. We will videotape as he learns to crawl, And hold our breath as he takes his first steps. We will delight as we mark off the inches as he stands against the wall. We’ll bandage skinned knees and bolster bruised egos as he learns to ride a bike. We’ll proudly applaud as he struts across the stage to receive his diploma. And watch with misty eyes as he takes the hand of his young bride. Give him a long, happy life, so that when we are old, his children may play at our feet. We have it all planned. Please Lord, let it be so."

But the Lord said: "No."

"In My wisdom I will send you one of my most fragile creatures, An Angel in need of a home. His muscles will be too weak to run and play, or even to hold his head. On you he will depend--for care, for food, for his very breath. You will spend your days in the solitude of a darkened room. The television’s litany of happy tunes and colorful characters will light your heavy heart. From him you will learn that miracles are not only found in the scaling of mountains or the winning of marathons, But in the smallest movement of a precious finger. From this you will learn the magnitude of your strength, and the depth of your love."

"But wait, Lord," the family cried. "This cannot be so. We can’t do it. There must be another way. We’ll find doctors, visit hospitals, the best that can be found. Surely there is a medicine, a therapy; somehow a cure. Or a wheelchair, perhaps. Please let it be so."

But the Lord said: "No."

"In My compassion, I will send others to help you along the way. His story will touch the hearts of many. Though his acquaintances are few, his friends will be countless. You will meet people from all walks of life, from miles away, from around the globe. Those who have trod in your shoes will offer support, friendship and guidance. And in doing so, they too will find healing. He will receive gifts by the truckload from those who just care, And I will hear their daily prayers. They will help you will find the courage to face another dawn when all seems lost. Through them, you will learn hope."

"Then take him, Lord, back home to You. Hold his tiny hand as You teach him to walk. Let him skip from cloud to cloud, dance with the snowflakes, and slide down the rainbows. Let him roller-blade down the streets of heaven. Give him wings and teach him to fly. Let him welcome the other little angels as they complete their journey home. Let him prepare a place for us who will follow him, who love him and miss him, Who have learned from him, and who will never forget him. His mission here is complete, Lord, our lessons are learned. Now welcome him home, Lord. And give him peace."

And finally, the Lord, softly wiping a tear, said "Yes."