It was a moment that came unexpectedly, but will forever stay etched into the memories of the Keating family as one of the most important and moving moments of their lives.

During his visit to the U.S., the whole world saw Pope Francis ask his driver to stop the car and get out to bless Michael, the Keating’s 10 year old wheelchair bound son who suffers from cerebral palsy.

The moment was almost missed, as Chuck and his wife Kristin, lifelong Catholics who met in college, nearly decided to not put Michael through the ordeal of the trip, as his body can get dangerously overheated when he is outside in hot weather and he needs to be catheterized every four hours. But a mass with their priest made them change their minds.

“He said that people shouldn’t be going out of their way to avoid the pope, they should be going out of their way to do what they can to be there,” Chuck recalls.

It turned out to be the push they needed, and an effort that was rewarded beyond their wildest dreams. While everybody saw the Pope bless Michael, what nobody saw was with all the joys and struggles this Elverson family goes through in their daily life.

In the Washington Post feature, Kristin and Chuck talk about the day they adopted Michael and his brother Chris, the financial, emotional, and even physical burdens, the protectiveness their children Katie and Chris feel for their brother, and most importantly, their unwavering faith.

While it is a daily struggle, life with Michael is also a continuous source of love, joy, and learning.

“I think Michael is a teacher,” said Chuck. “Michael has taught me quite a bit about patience, love, and the importance of what a hug and a kiss means.”

The Keatings have been receiving support from around the world after the event, including from people who share their own struggles raising children with disabilities. Pope blessed one boy, but he has reached many with that simple gesture.

“When I saw the Holy Father bless your son, I couldn’t help but imagine him blessing my Ryan,” wrote a father of a 19-year-old with cerebral palsy to the Keatings. “It’s a hard battle. . . Please remember, we’re never really alone.”