This will not be a typical Micah Lens blog as I want to cover two totally different topics, both time sensitive. Last month I shared about Micah’s upcoming baptism noting I would include photos of the event, so I am starting with the promised update.
I asked Melody to ask Micah to write a few words to thank the many people who came to his baptism and below are the words that Micah spelled out letter by letter through Spelling to Communicate (S2C). Melody, one of Micah’s S2C practitioners, transcribed his message and sent it to me to share.
In short, the baptism was powerful. I was concerned that when the day came, he might have a day when his apraxia would not allow him to control his actions, but he jumped up when I told him it was time to head to the church for his baptism. Once there, he remained calm and focused despite the fact we were in an unfamiliar church as our own church does not have a baptismal tank for adults. Truth be told, he seemed less anxious than I was until just before Pastor Steve was ready to immerse him. Watching his face, I wondered if he might be starting to panic, but then I noticed out of the corner of my eye that his brother Ben had left his seat to come up next to him to support him. Once Micah and Ben locked eyes, Micah relaxed and Pastor Steve helped him under then up out of the water. It was such an amazing experience, and we were delighted to have over sixty family and friends attend. After, our church treated everyone to pizza, and we ended with a celebration cake.
Thanks so much to each person who came to support Micah or cheered him on from afar. Two years ago, before S2C, I would have never dreamed that we would know what Micah’s wishes were in regard to his faith. Spelling to Communicate has opened such an amazing journey of discovery.
Now for a forward plan update. I have been writing the Micah Lens each month for several years now and at times, have shared my concern about Micah’s future when I am no longer able to care for him. I know he has family who love him and will be there for him, but my hope and prayer has been to have him settled in a home that meets his needs where he can live in community with others. For over two years I have been part of a group of parents with adult children with developmental disabilities. Housing options that are safe and meet the needs of our children are very limited, so we have been taking steps to become a legal nonprofit with the goal to build or renovate a home in southern New Hampshire. Our Homestead is the 501 (C) 3 nonprofit that we have established to create housing for our children and their peers. Please check out our website (thanks to Dean who has spent many hours getting it up and working well). https://ourhomesteadnh.org/
Next month will be our kickoff in fund raising, starting on Giving Tuesday that is December 2nd. I invite you to check out our appeal on the website. I do not want anyone to feel obligated to donate, but if you are able to do so, know that Micah and his peers and their family members deeply appreciate your interest and support. Do share this ask with those who have a heart for Micah and the many other adults with disabilities that need a safe, forever home. I will be in touch with a quick reminder link on December 2nd, just as a reminder as it is such a busy time of year. It happens to be Micah’s birthday eve; it is hard to fathom my baby will be thirty-two on December 3rd.
I am so thankful for the many ways you support Micah and our family. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Jan Lessard Peightell and Micah James Lessard November 19, 2025