Elijah who was put for adoption was a premature baby born at only 22 weeks. He suffered from brain bleeds what caused the autism. Baby Elijah spent six months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University of South Alabama Children's Hospital. Rene who worked at the hospital was hoping to adopt and it was a match made in heaven. 

"We've known since we brought Elijah home that his life would be limited, both in time and ability," she told CBN News. "Because of his strength and God's grace, he has far exceeded both. He continues to surpass expectations and has taught me to release control and enjoy the journey. He changed our lives' paths and taught us to love with our entire hearts with no anticipation of rewards. He has been our biggest challenge, but man, what an unexpected gift!!"

Rene shares that she hopes that Elijah could be an example and that other kids could learn from him: "Elijah, and other kids that are differently abled, are such an integral part of our communities. These kiddos have such pure hearts and can teach us so much about courage and integrity," she wrote. "I encourage everyone to reach out to a family that is raising a special needs baby and offer to pray for them, bring them dinner, invite mom over for a glass of wine. Raising Elijah (and my other babies) will be the greatest accomplishment of my life. But it is the hardest, most emotionally exhausting responsibility I could have ever imagined. Having a tribe of people that support me is just invaluable. I am eternally grateful for MY people and the people that love Elijah like he belongs to them."

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