This past Friday, our daughter, Susan Rinaldi, was honored by Porto Charities in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, with their Catalyst Award for her work in Special Education. Susan has served as Director of Expanded services at Bishop O’Connell High School for the past 10 years.
Porto Charities’ mission is to build a culture of belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by increasing their educational, employment and community engagement opportunities in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
In receiving her award, Susan brought our daughter Emily who was born with Down syndrome on to the stage, acknowledging that it was Emily’s birth and presence in our family that inspired her to go into special education. It also happened to be Emily’s 40th birthday, and the audience of 480 spontaneously sang Happy Birthday.
It was such a joyous occasion. Our other three children, their spouses and a number of our grandchildren were in attendance, along with neighbors and friends.
“The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving to all he has made.” (Psalm 145:13)
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GLORY! In the words of Saint Bud! JB
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what a beautiful night! You and Marilyn are blessed to have such a loving and devoted family. You all have given so much and the rewards apparent and deserved in your lovely family. Happy Birthday Emily that was so sweet that everyone sang.
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