Spencer Shines Bright

Meet Spencer Kirkpatrick...Homecoming King, recent graduate of Mississippi State University’s ACCESS Program, and friend to my daughter, Helen Claire. Spencer and Helen Claire lived in the same dorm this year, and they met the first few weeks of school. He was a senior, and she was a freshman who missed her sister, Ruthie. The hardest part about leaving home was having to leave Ruthie, and she had cried many tears. Spencer helped ease the pain of being away from her little sister.

I asked Spencer’s dad, Kevan, if there was any advice that he could give those of us who are parenting younger children with special needs. He said, “My advice is to not settle for the limitations that people might place on your child. Don’t ever underestimate what their potential is. Don’t be scared to push them. Send them to camp and provide experiences that will push them out of their comfort zone.” I have thought so much about his advice; it’s relevant for all of our children...not just our children with special needs. May we be courageous enough to parent from Kevan’s perspective so that our children will also have an opportunity to grow into  confident and independent adults like Spencer!