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On Butterflies of Wisdom today, Best-Selling Author, Win Kelly Charles welcomes Michael and Donald Harms. Here is their story. "My wife began to cry, and though she said nothing, I knew exactly why. We were in the middle of a volunteer trip to a children’s home for kids with disabilities in the mountains of Jamaica. We worked separately while there to have the biggest effect and we hadn’t said a word to each other due to overwhelming emotions. But we could sense that we were both experiencing the same thing. Even though I knew the reason for her tears, I held her and asked, “What’s wrong?” “I just love him.” Now I was crying. “I know. I love him too.” We had never said his name to each other. We hadn’t been together with him. We hadn’t even seen each other with him. But we both knew exactly what the other was feeling. We had fallen in love with all the kids at the children’s home, but there was an extraordinary connection with Donald. It was unexplainable and even irrational given that we had only met him briefly and never together. During subsequent trips to Jamaica to establish a school at the home, Donald expressed that he felt the same love for us. After our third trip, our path was clear. We began the official process to adopt Donald. The next two years were a roller coaster filled with mountains of paperwork, a few denials, many appeals, and even more trips to Jamaica. By the grace of God, the three of us (and the many people helping us) persevered and in April of 2013 we brought Donald home as our SON! The transition, while was not without difficulty, was remarkable. It was evident from the start that was all meant to be together. Many said it seemed Donald had been raised by us his whole life. Our personalities were remarkably similar, and our connection was evident. While relatively young and new, our love was profoundly deep. After our first year and many adventures as a family, Donald and I embarked on a new journey. “Dad, I want to run together.” Donald’s eyes beamed enthusiasm; he clearly believed this could be something special. I was no runner but how do I say no? Five days later, Donald, in an old stroller, pulled me along as I pushed with all my might in a 5K. Donald’s cerebral palsy limits the use of his limbs. But, please understand, he is an Athlete. Donald is fiercely dedicated to anything he undertakes. His mental fortitude is inspiring. He simply doesn’t have the body to run. So he allows me the privilege of teaming up with him. Since crossing that finish line two years ago, we’ve competed in dozens of races, including two marathons. We’ve won my age group numerous times and even been on the overall podium. We’re currently training to qualify for Boston. Donald was right; we had found something special! Running has united us in ways I can barely express without tears. But it has also liberated us: me from the stresses of life and, more importantly, Donald from his disability. Donald has communicated that when we run, he forgets he has a disability; he feels like just another runner. That’s enough to ensure we run forever. Our family continues to grow with the addition of Oliver in 2014 and a new Baby Harms due this October. We continue to have many adventures as we make the most of this one wildlife with which God has blessed us. And Donald and I will continue to run fr

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