And Elisa is also teaching her siblings to be grateful for every day. “They know this could easily have been them because it’s genetic,” says Elisabeth. And they’ve learned compassion. “I know that their lives are richer. They’ve certainly had to walk steps that they wouldn’t necessarily choose to walk. But they are going to be more blessed and more enriched because of it.”
This time of year is deeply meaningful for the Lintons, who are Christians. Elisa is a big Santa fan, and she loves Christmas carols. “Away in a Manger” and “Jingle Bells” are such favourites of hers that the family sings them to her year-round.
“Christmas is the basis of our faith, and it’s a time of hope for us,” says Elisabeth. “It’s a time when we reflect on how fortunate we really are. Elisa has brought joy to our family.”
The Lintons often refer to this journey as a detour. “It’s taken us off the path,” Elisabeth concedes. But she points out that such diversions “can take you on routes that you would never believe could be so beautiful.”
Feel the love: Give generously
Wondering where to send your donation dollars this year? Hundreds of thousands of kids with disabilities benefit each year from the support and services of Canadian charitable organizations. These worthy causes have been handpicked by the families in our story.
• Canadian Association for Community Living
www.cacl.ca
(416) 661-9611
• Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network
www.plan.ca
(604) 439-9566
• Sanfilippo Children’s Research Foundation
www.alifeforelisa.org
(416) 223-1911
• Canadian Society for Mucopolysaccharide and Related Diseases
www.mpssociety.ca
(604) 924-5130
1-800-667-1846
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada
www.rmhc.ca
(416) 446-3493
1-800-387-8808
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