Watermark Blogs

“When our daughter, Annalise was born, things were different from the start,” said Chad Pinson. “From day one, she struggled to eat – something my wife Crystal and I initially shrugged off as just a bump in the road. Then at six months, we learned her vision was impaired, and that she’d have to wear either glasses or contacts. Later, Annalise took a long time to learn to roll over, sit up and crawl. Over time, we realized things were going to be more challenging for our little girl than they were for other kids.

“As Annalise passed all of those milestones at her own determined pace, we learned what “global developmental delay” was. It’s a fancy term for a child who hits milestones at a slower pace — if they ever hit them at all. We’ve been through countless tests and doctors appointments searching for answers. And we’ve learned that there are still mysteries that science is unable to detect, diagnose or treat.

“That’s why one of the most amazing moments was when Annalise, after months of dogged effort, finally learned to walk. She put so much into it (and had the bumps and bruises to prove it). When she finally mastered taking those little steps, it was one of the biggest blessings God could give us. Even now, I look back on those tough times and thank God for my wife, who put so much into the challenging task of helping Annalise.

“We’ve also faced the challenge that Annalise needs nearconstant supervision. There are few breaks from ‘fully on, fully observant’ parenting. Annalise doesn’t go to the playroom by herself. Crystal can’t ‘pop in a video’ or give Annalise a book while she catches a shower. We must be right there. I know parenting is a ‘full time’ job, but our required level of vigilance is different than most parents experience.

“As Annalise has grown, things have become more challenging. Her peer group continues to outpace her to the point that it’s often not realistic to be with kids her own age. That makes it hard to leave Annalise in the care of anyone else except our family. Turning Annalise over to others is tough for us, for Annalise, and sometimes for ‘the others’ too.

“You can imagine the emotional rollercoaster these issues can cause – and the stress, fatigue and constant struggle for time we face for everyday errands, duties, work, and our son, Asher. By Sundays, we’re ‘out of gas’ for the kids, for each other and for ourselves.

“But when we bring Annalise to church she has a place where people know, love and care for her, and have her best interest at heart. Watermark’s Kaleidoscope ministry offers one-on-one care for children with special needs. When I leave Annalise with Peggy or Rachel or Casey or Malen (her Kaleidoscope buddies), I trust she is being loved like Jesus would love her and taught in a way she can understand how much Jesus loves her. My wife and I can then focus on Christ, worship and have a peace that we rarely get any other time.

“The time I get to sing praise songs, worship and hear a great message recharges me, and that allows me to serve God in other areas. I’m a lawyer, and I serve with Watermark Justice, and help out with the curriculum we’re developing for people in the justice system in Africa. I’ve been able to work on lawsuits to help protect religious freedoms, shut down drug houses, brothels, and drug dens in West Dallas. I’ve also served on the JointheJourney.com editing team. All these things add up to a big time commitment. And we could not do those them without the respite that the Kaleidoscope team gives us every week. Annalise’s Kaleidoscope buddies have made an enormous impact on our ability to serve the Lord and leave a spiritual legacy for our children.

“Annalise is experiencing a lot of victories. She is sweet, gentle and innocent in a way that only someone with her special issues can be. Crystal and I wouldn’t trade our situation for anything, because our beautiful little girl is a true gift from God. Through it all, God has grown us and taught us a lot about His character.

“I know God is at work in this. He’s working to bring our marriage closer together, as we depend on each other to raise our children. God reminds me constantly that He has given each of us – including Annalise – the life we’re supposed to have. The Lord knows the hairs on my head, and His plans for Annalise. I’ve grown as God has allowed me to appreciate the life we have. And it’s a beautiful thing.”