This week's Maitri story is the journey of Christopher Duffrey, a young differently abled boy who makes us wonder whether it is we who are blind to God's light or angel's like him!
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Christopher was born in May 2001 premature at 26 weeks, blind, and to parents with a history of drug abuse. Doctors were concerned about his chances of survival when they found traces of cocaine in his blood at birth. Later it was also discovered that he was on the autistic spectrum. Since his biological parents were unable to raise him properly, he was legally adopted by his aunt Christine Duffrey when he was just 15 months old. Although Christine and her husband were already raising four kids of their own at the time, Christine says she felt a strong inner calling to adopt Chris and she saw it as God's Will.
Chris entered the Duffrey home as the youngest child and after a brief period of adjustment soon became everyone's favorite. At age 4, though he could not talk he started singing "Open the eyes of my heart, Lord" in perfect pitch, and since then, he has never stopped singing. As word of this young boy’s talent spread, he soon started getting invited to national and international events and is now a well sought after celebrity globally for his inspiring presence.
The more I read about Christopher’s fascinating journey in the face of so many limitations, the more I am amazed at the potential of the human spirit. His story reminds me that we only need to open the "eyes of our heart" to truly see and understand the magical world around us. And until we do that, are'nt we also blind and autistic to God's beauty that is within us and also surrounds us.
A special note of gratitude is also due here to mothers such as Christine who go way beyond the call of duty and follow the call of spirit. In a recent radio interview she shares a profound message: "Self- sufficiency destroys us. We need to be with each other. We need community. It may not be perfect, but we need each other. And sometimes, we need to get on our knees and invite the Lord to be with us too."
Humble bows to folks such as Christopher (and Bhavesh) who help us "see" the world with in-sight.
Lyrics:
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin' in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin' in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
We cry holy, holy, holy
You are holy, holy, holy
I want to see you