Blessed

Ariana Durling 9/26/2025

So we just finished a cruise to the Bahamas with friends we met on a previous cruise. On this trip we made so many new friends, met people who are very compassionate and caring, and saw the best in humanity.

We as a family are fairly outgoing, but Luke is definitely the most social of us all. In fact he draws people to him…those aren’t my words but something a close friend of mine made note of when he was very young.

For those who know Luke personally they know his physical struggles can be quite bad at times. It doesn’t always seem so when he is out and about enjoying life, but as a result of all those adventures he may struggle to sleep, find his muscles with spasms so bad he is writhing in bad pain, or at the very least non-functional. Sometimes they get so tight they feel like bricks and we need not only massage but meds to get him back to normal. Now Luke never mentions this to anyone, unless it’s a massage therapist or doctor. And he never complains. Only the ones who actually witness it know how it can be. I really don’t even like disclosing this personal information about him because it is his to disclose. With that being said, I asked permission. The reason I mention it at all is because you may have seen a time when he ducked out early or respectfully declined an invitation without much explanation…and most likely it was his body telling him he needed to wait, slow down or stop.

So on this cruise he had one such evening where his night was filled with tightness, pain and spasms. After we did all we could to help him through he said, “Thank you. I am so lucky to have you.”

What? He thanked us. No woe is me attitude, no pity pot. And honestly he has never taken that road. Since he was able to talk he has verbalized his gratitude to us and given thanks for all he has. Almost daily. Now you tell me who is blessed to have whom. And this week, after witnessing all the responses he gets in crowds and with those around him it hit me….he doesn’t just draw people to him…he makes them want to be better people. His zeal for life and unwavering gracious attitude are what fill a room with joy and love. I witness it daily. It fills my heart with pride to see other people realize what I have known since day one.

I know he may not think all this true but I attest it is. This is not just a mother’s love. This is a sociological fact. If you know him I am sure you can attest it as well. We were given a gift. And we know we are blessed.

We are all dealt our difficulties and tribulations in life. Some of us handle them better than others. Luke handles his with grace and style. He loves all his moments that he can function and endures through those rough times with quiet courage. I am in awe of him.

I only wish I could make his life easier.