Courteney Returns to Disney World

Many people have the distinction of being recognized by their first name. If you have been around the family of Cuyahoga Valley Church (CVC) in the past nine years, you likely know that Courteney is the daughter of Christine and Dan Boyle. Christine and Dan were charter members of a movement at CVC known as 707 ministries for young adults. In fact, that is how they met and eventually married. Christine had a daughter named Courteney that she brought to the family and this young lady has enjoyed a special place in the hearts of many people. Passing her ninth birthday recently was a landmark since the doctors doubted she would live more than six to twelve months when she was born.

Courteney has never spoken a word but she communicates clearly to her parents. She has loved many Disney characters since she first heard about them and saw them in stories. Four years ago, the Boyle family was a recipient of a trip to Disney World thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. During that trip in 2005, my wife and I spent one of the days with Courteney at the park. We marveled at her responses to all of the characters and rides she was able to experience. Even more so, we marveled at the staff and characters at Disney who went the extra mile in showing love and affection for her. This past week, was no different as Courteney returned for a second time to ride magic carpets; see “small world”; fly along with Buzz Light year; ride through haunted mansions; see and touch more characters than is possible to list. I was thrilled to return for a day with the Boyle family to see this all over again!

This is even more amazing when you think that she is also confined to a wheelchair, cannot eat food like you and me; has to have drops in her eyes every half hour as she does not produce tears; has never been able to express her needs and wants in the form of sentences which we take so for granted. You might think I am asking for sympathy with this MMM but it is just the opposite. Dan and Christine feel they are the one’s honored with the chance to know and love this nine year old miracle. In fact, if you want to know the best news of all, they are on track to adopt a brother for Courteney who has special needs just like she does. If all goes well in 2010, Kevin will be the newest member of the Boyle family and if that happens, Kevin and Courteney both will have won the lottery! They will be loved by two of the greatest heroes I know, Christine and Dan Boyle!

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Monday Morning Message Sent 12/28/09

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