Ever since Storybook Farm’s billboards went up Joel Lang has been a celebrity. The 650 Hope campaign ads, which are displayed on billboards throughout town and on Storybook’s promotional pamphlets, feature Joel with his horse, Johnny Appleseed.
Nine years ago, when Joel was 10 years old, he was invited to an open house at Storybook Farm. At the time Storybook’s ministry mainly focused on children who had experienced personal tragedy, rather than children with mental and physical disabilities, like Joel.
Joel was born to Gerald and Cheryl Lang in 1992. His parents had no prior knowledge that Joel had Down syndrome before his birth, but they knew it would be a different experience from raising their two healthy daughters.
“Because we did now know of his condition before his birth, it was the shock and fear of imagining what this child’s life would be like with this disability is what was so crippling,” Cheryl said.
Thanks to exceptional pediatricians and his early-intervention program at Auburn University, Joel was set up to do wonderful things. Little did he know his life was about to be enhanced, and through this opportunity inspire more people than the Lang’s could ever have imagined.
Soon after Joel’s first visit to the farm, Storybook began ministering to children with mental and physical disabilities. Dena invited Joel to come ride. That was 9 years ago, and today Joel considers Storybook a part of himself.
As soon as Joel enters the barn, his face immediately lights up. He knows exactly where everything is, and that he has people here who love him unconditionally.
When they pull into the farm Joel will take count of all the horses in the pastures, and correct his mom if she misnames a horse.
“The most important thing about him coming here is that he can be himself,” Cheryl said. “He does not have to worry about anyone judging him or picking on him, every child who comes here is able to be whoever they are. They are treated like typical people, despite their disabilities.”
Since Joel’s arrival at Storybook, nine years ago, he has done nothing but encourage those around him with his bright smile and cheerful disposition. Not only has Joel’s confidence love for horses grown, but Storybook Farm has been a brighter place because of him.
We would like to congratulate Joel on his recent graduation from Smith’s Station High School.