The Making of Our Little Lion King

"Simba is called by Rafiki after he wins a battle against Scar...'It is time,' he said. Slowly, Simba climbs a high rock under the rain with his head held high. Up on the rock, he lets out a resounding roar and all of Pride Rock roars back acknowledging the return of the King."

For the past few weeks, I have been watching the animated film "The Lion King" at least three times a day with my son, Tim. Obviously it is his favorite film. We sat there together in front of the screen and my Timmy slowly climbed on my lap. I kissed his head and gave him a tight hug. I whispered to him that one day, he too shall claim his own place and finish strong.

Every parent has the noblest aspirations for his or her child. At times the challenges may seem so insurmountable. Personally, the test came very early. My son stayed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for more than a month. Born premature and small for his gestational age, my husband and I were faced with a question, "are we ever going to be given a chance to become parents to this little boy." Looking at him with all the tubes and monitoring equipment attached to his small, fragile body we turned to prayer and to each other. We held each others hands through tears, cried out to the heavens that our simple request of becoming a family be granted...and after an ordeal that lasted for forty days, the doctor said Tim was strong and healthy enough to come home with us.

Yes, home. And now I can be with him and hold him for as long as I want. Timmy is now almost two and he has grown tall and adorable. He is the joy of the household and at the same time he is a living witness to what hope and prayer can make possible. Timmy indeed has a great future ahead of him and it has fallen on our shoulders, as parents to travel with him in the meaningful journey of life.

Timmy has lived. Timmy has survived. One day, he shall find his place under the sun in spite difficulties that may come, and just like the Lion King who finally triumphs and finds his way, his parents will be there watching and cheering as he lets out his most thunderous roar!