Holiday light displays are always a delight, but they recently went a step further by bringing about a “Christmas miracle” for a 13-year-old and her mom in Mulberry, Florida.
At 3 years old, Kaitlyn De Jesus was diagnosed with autism so severe that doctors told Marisabel Figueroa Lopez she would probably never speak. But that hasn’t kept the two of them from living their best life!
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Marisabel worked hard to find pastimes they could enjoy together, and 10 years ago, she introduced Kaitlyn to their neighbor’s elaborate Christmas display. While she worried the sounds and flashes would bother her little one, Kaitlyn couldn’t get enough!
“The first day she went, she loved it,” Marisabel said. “She was basically raised on those songs.”
It’s easy to understand why she finds Don Weaver’s seasonal home decor to be so wonderful! He’s covered his house with more than 200,000 Christmas lights that are synchronized to music and even arranges occasional visits from Santa Claus.
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This year, Don must have used some extra holiday spirit because something magical happened. As the mother and daughter were watching the display, Kaitlyn started speaking and making observations unprompted for the first time!
“She got up from the chair and started singing,” Marisabel said. “She said, ‘Mom! Look at the blue lights. Look at the snowmen. Santa’s coming!'”
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The sweet mom was overwhelmed by Kaitlyn’s progress and broke down in tears. “I was so hysterical, it was me who had problems speaking that day,” she said.
Since Kaitlyn’s miraculous accomplishment was shared online, it has touched the hearts of countless people. In fact, the tale even made its way to Ellen DeGeneres, who invited the inspirational duo to appear on her show in California.
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If this isn’t proof that Christmas magic is real, then what is? Thank you, Don, for bringing so much joy to your neighborhood. We can’t wait to see what Kaitlyn will accomplish next!
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