Do you know what it sounds like to ‘hear’ someone smile? You know…when you can’t see their face, but you can feel the pause that happens as the corners of their mouth turn up? And you can somehow ‘hear’ the smile before they even speak? Every person I have asked about Stellan, I have heard their smile before they responded. ‘So, tell me about Stellan.’
Insert smile induced pause here.
They respond something to the effect of, ‘Oh yes, Stellan.’ And often, there is another
insert smile induced pause here,
as they reflect on their time spent with him.
You see, Stellan is one of those boys you just know is special. From the moment you lock eyes with him, you know this boy has a sweet, old soul. What appears as shyness at first, is really just Stellan ‘taking it all in,’ reflecting, and deciding what he makes of the situation before engaging. But when he does engage with you? He’ll shine a light into you like no other.
Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And this couldn’t be truer of Stellan. From agency staff, to advocates, to adoptive families, many have crossed paths with Stellan, and all walk away with the same feeling – one of absolute awe and a warmth that reaches their bones. And if Stellan leaves this mark on those who meet him for just a brief time? Imagine the imprint he would make on his family, day in and day out.
