My favourite moment of 2012

Me with Rebeka, Lydia and Rachelle Wyse
(Esther not pictured)

Before 2012 draws to a close, I want to share my favourite moment of the year with you. It happened in Washington last July, during the American conference for people with my physical disability, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones).

While I was enjoying a Saturday night party at the hotel, I came upon these young pretty girls with OI enjoying cake with a middle-aged couple. When I asked the couple how they all knew each other, they said they were with four of their children adopted from China.

Originally from Illinois, Keith and Cheryl Wyse have lived more than 10 years of their lives in China. They became passionate about establishing a home for orphaned children with OI after adopting twins Rebekah and Rachelle in 2002. I met the twins, and also two of their other adopted daughters, Lydia and Esther. The Wyses have eight children, and of the six adoptees, four of them have OI.

When I met with them again during breakfast the next morning, they talked about a centre they co-founded in China called the Agape Family Life House. The Agape Family Life House is also a Christian ministry that reflects the deep faith shared by the Wyse family. The Wyses want to shine a light to the world by showing that people with OI can be brought up to live long and healthy lives.

The OI Foundation honoured Keith that evening with an award recognizing his efforts to help improve the quality of life for children and youth with OI. After the conference ended, I read more about Agape and the work it has done and continues to do. Though I live in Canada, I want to help the ministry grow any way possible.

The Wyses’ story moved me so much that I seized every opportunity I could to spend time with them and get to know them. Meeting Keith and Cheryl and their four children, and learning about the Agape Family Life House, ranks as my favourite moment of 2012.