Dear Ombre e Luci,
I am writing to this wonderful magazine for the first time, wanting to share my experience as a friend in Faith and Light—nothing extraordinary compared to so many others, but it has given meaning to the words "friendship," "affection," and "love." At 36, I find myself reflecting on the path I have walked. I joined the Faith and Light community "Friends Together" when I was 10, brought along by my mother. Over all these years, I have stumbled and fallen often, hit obstacles, stopped to rest—but the Lord has always been patient with me. He has always helped me back up and given me the strength to begin again. I have met parents, young people, and friends from Italy and around the world. Some I have the rare joy of seeing again; others I have lost touch with or will never see again. My only regret is that in those early years of community, I did not fully live Faith and Light or understand its true meaning. That was my immaturity talking, my difficult, rebellious character—hard to tame then, though I work at it every day now. Gradually, I began to listen to the Lord, to accept his call, to let go. I opened my heart and gave my love to those treasures of young people who patiently respected my "not-today" moments. Many times I wrestled with the Lord, not always accepting his love—but he was always by my side, patient. Faith and Light has given me, and continues to give me, so much: a long, deep friendship with wonderful young people; parents to joke with, argue with, cry with; friends to turn to for help, to laugh with—and laughter does heal. It has enriched me spiritually, opened my heart and eyes to new realities. It has let me meet amazing people. One in particular: Luciano. For many years Luciano was my closest friend. Then the Lord played a trick on me—I fell in love with him. After 14 years of friendship and one year of engagement, we married. He is the most beautiful gift the Lord has given me. He is my conscience, my peace, my tenderness, warmth for my soul. He is my wholeness. Our wedding was a celebration for our community and the other Faith and Light communities in our city—made even more precious by our witnesses, Mattia and Amanda, two of the "little ones," because it is to them we owe our thanks for our joy. The Lord has given us two wonderful children, and I thank him every day for what he has given me and what he will give me. Our children are now the mascots of our community, cherished and loved by all. It is harder now to make it to meetings, but we do everything we can so that Emanuele and Irene live Faith and Light with the naturalness and simplicity that only children, the little ones, know how to do. With love. Monica, Parma An unexpected letter, received as this issue was being prepared.Every Small Step Fills Us With Joy
I want to share a message of comfort and hope with everyone who reads this letter. My name is Giusi, and the birth of Maria Ester—like for nearly all parents of children with disabilities—changed our lives. But changed them for the better. I say this because, despite the many difficulties we face daily like all parents, we can see in this child's eyes such love, shining through with a special light and constant gratitude for being welcomed. From the moment of pregnancy, we knew Maria Ester would be born this way. Specific tests confirmed it; we declined amniocentesis because my husband and I feared, however slightly, that we might lose her. We prayed to the Lord every day, hoping Maria Ester would be healed and born healthy. The Risen Jesus community of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal walked with us. But it was not to be. Giving birth was unforgettable. In that moment, I did not feel alone. I was certain that no matter how things went, this child would be nothing but an exclusive and wonderful gift from God. Two days after giving birth, I was diagnosed with an inoperable cavernous sinus meningioma—discovered only because of this pregnancy, which we had so deeply desired. I share this story because of a profound need to tell you: having a child who is "different" is not a tragedy. It is a blessing. The Lord has a plan for all of us. He reveals it in his time, as and when he chooses—if we listen. I beg you: do not end the lives of these children. Like all others, they have the right to live. They give so much, in ways that are incredibly different and special. All it takes is to welcome them and love them. And every developmental milestone, however slow, reminds us that nothing in life is guaranteed or owed to us. So every small progress Maria Ester makes fills us with joy and teaches us to cherish a life that does not belong to us. I thank the editors of Ombre e Luci for giving me the chance to share this life experience and, at the same time, to send a message others can take to heart. I also thank all those who help circulate this magazine and gather so many testimonies of life that bring help to so many. Giusi Calò, together with Donatello, Angelo, and Maria EsterCastellana Grotte — Bari