An island search for a pirate’s treasure map.  An archaeological dig for an ancient artifact.  The discovery of a rare item with unimagined value in a grandparent’s attic.  Even the popularity of the current television program, Storage Wars, where bidders compete to purchase the contents of unseen storage facilities in the hopes of acquiring something of untold worth.

There’s something about the intrigue surrounding hidden treasure.  Jesus even used it when instructing his disciples.   “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” Mt. 13 44 (RSV).  So let’s go treasure hunting.

Last month in Panama City, Florida, Chris Nikic at age 21 was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records by becoming the first person with Down Syndrome to complete the Ironman triathlon.  It is a grueling test of stamina and skill that combines a 2.4 mile ocean swim, a 112 mile bicycle road trek, and a full 26.2 mile marathon.

Three months earlier in central France, Marie-Ange de Saint Chamas at age 53, was honored at her death as one of the first members of the Little Sisters, Disciples of the Lamb – a monastic community of contemplative nuns that welcome members with Down Syndrome.  Her favorite affirmation, according to fellow sisters and family members, was “He has chosen me for all eternity”.

Two stories that one could say reveal hidden treasure, unexpected gifts within those who are often defined only by their “handicaps”.

For my part, I can personally attest to the treasure that dwells within our twenty –three year old son, Tommy.  Born with Down Syndrome and Bladder Exstrophy (resulting in permanent incontinence), he also has bilateral hearing loss, speech apraxia, and severely pronated ankles that require orthotics in order to walk with shoes. Despite these impediments, some might say because of them, we are continually surprised by the jewels in his treasure chest.

“We must then dig deeply in Christ. He is like a rich mine with many pockets containing treasures; however deep we dig we will never find their end or their limit. Indeed, in every pocket new seams of fresh riches are discovered on all sides.”

From a spiritual canticle by st. john of the cross

His speech is barely discernible, but one classmate in elementary school wrote in Tommy’s Star of the Week notebook, “You’re lucky to make friends as easily as you do”.  In fact one of the teacher aides nicknamed him The Senator for the way he worked the lunchroom every day, going from table to table shaking hands and giving “high fives”. 

In a letter of reference for employment at the conclusion of his high school career, a member of his vocational job experience team wrote that “once presented with a task to learn, he was able to do so with confidence.  While completing his tasks, he was thorough and demonstrated determination each day to get the job done.  He was task oriented and eager to complete a checklist of assignments.   He brings positivity to the workplace and has character skills that cannot be taught.  Tom would be a true asset to your organization.”

Until the pandemic, he held a part-time paid position at a family-owned hair salon and a part-time volunteer position at an assisted living facility memory care unit.   Now his Habilitation Aide takes him to volunteer weekly at a local food pantry and clothing distribution center.  Given the chance over the years by those willing to do a little digging, Tommy’s hidden gifts have been revealed, polished, and displayed.

A Superpower

But here’s Tommy’s crown jewel.  In their fascination with Marvel comic characters, kids today might call it a superpower.  It was described by one of Tommy’s service providers this way:

“Thomas is a miracle and inspires me every Tuesday to look closely at my own regular normal life struggles as mere small hills to climb.  If Tommy can climb mountains each day, I can surely deal with small bumps in the road. I don’t say words I don’t mean like most these days, but your son has changed my life in ways I’m not sure I even comprehend quite yet.”

Tommy’s superpower is the capacity to change people with whom he comes in contact just by being himself.  In fact, I believe that when we encounter any person with a disability, it presents an opportunity to reveal who we are as much as who they are.  In searching for the treasure in them, we discover a hidden treasure within us.  Or sometimes one that’s missing.

The Reveal

I can’t tell you, for example, how many times Tommy’s presence has revealed my impatience.  Waiting in a doctor’s office.  Sitting in snarled traffic.  Standing in a grocery checkout line.  When my frustration is building like a boiling pot, my thoughts are becoming poisoned arrows at the target in front of me, and my teeth are clenched like a vice, I look over at him and see the face of serenity.  Immediately I stand convicted, smile and shake my head as I shift my focus to surrender and acceptance of the circumstances of the moment (yet again).

At other times, he simply calls out of me a resource I didn’t know I had.  The title of this blog, for instance, came from him.  One day I was working at the computer, and he sat down on the couch behind me, content to be nearby and just watch.  After a while, I turned around, saw his smiling face and was drawn to sit next to him.  He put his head on my shoulder, and we just sat there with our eyes closed, listening to each other breathe.  For that moment time stood still, and I almost imperceptibly entered God’s timeless presence.  Ever since, when I sit down for private prayer, I try to reenter that spiritual space where time stands still.

So try treasure hunting with those you encounter every day.  And be ready to be surprised by what you discover in them and in you.

Jesus exhorted his disciples: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

Matthew 6:19-21