I came home from work a couple nights ago. Late as usual. Christopher did not come to greet me with his ear-to-ear grin. My search to find him led me downstairs. To my surprise, he was playing Guitar Hero Rock Band with his Brother Ben and friend Zach. It was awesome. While Ben and Zach were shredding the guitars, Christopher was pounding the drums and adding some shrill vocals. It is so awesome to see Christopher meaningfully included in activities of family and friends!
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Thirteen years ago on this Father's day, Christopher was two weeks old and had already lived much longer than any of the doctors expected. His liver was failing, and he had not had a bowel movement since his 1 pound 3 ounce entry into this world. We were concerned that other body parts were also not functioning well. Miraculously, Christopher overcame his liver and bowel concerns together with a host of other complications and is a ray of sunshine warming the hearts of all those around him.
It is ironic to me that before I was blessed to have the opportunity to raise a child with disabilities, I pitied people who I believed were prevented from having a "normal" life because of the time, attention, and limitations that go along with having a family member that is completely dependent on others for the most basic daily demands of life. Now, my mother accuses me of being stingy with Christopher for failing to frequently find time for trips to Grandma's house. I believe any parent should count themselves lucky to have a Christopher in their family. My perspective on exciting milestones in Christopher's life is also very different than for my other wonderful children. Thirteen years ago, we celebrated when Christopher finally pooped in his diminutive diaper. Today, we praised him for making it almost 48 hours without wetting or soiling his pull-up. It takes a lot of work, but if I pay close attention to him, I understand his communication that it is time to visit the potty. Two days without an accident for Christopher is like my other children being on time for school for two months. We are blessed to continue to experience miracles and pass milestones in our life even though the path we pursue is not the one anticipated 14 years ago. Christopher played a game in his t-ball baseball league this morning. Like most things Christopher does, he innovates to participate in the manner he chooses.
In his first at-bat, Christopher hit the ball off the tee, and apparently worried that someone may try to tag him, took his weapon with him to first base (see the video below). He did the same thing his second turn at the plate. It seems that Christopher got bored doing the same old thing every time at bat, and he determined it no longer necessary to use the bat as a weapon along the baseline. On his third at bat, as his buddy, cousin Nicholas, wheeled him near the plate, mighty Christopher launched his bat striking the ball perfectly. The ball fell fair, and Christopher was off to first base pleased with his creative innovation to America's favorite pass-time. Christopher and I found ourselves home alone this evening. Ben was working and Alice and Abbie were at a bridal shower. Soooo, we went for an adventure. We loaded up the Razor and went to a trail up Hobble Creek Canyon. Thirty minutes later we were near the top of the Wasatch Mountains overlooking Utah Lake and the valley below. Christopher picked the Beach Boys to serenade us as we rode. He laughed and clapped his hands as I sang along (he is about the only one who appreciates my singing). We live in a beautiful place, and if you have not explored the Pole Canyon trail like Christopher, you should!
Yesterday was an awesome day. We started out going to the Springville Art City Days Parade as a Family. Ben was actually working in the parade with his co-workers from Reams Grocery Store. This afternoon, while Ben continued to work, Alice and I took Christopher, Abbie, and her friend Caprice out on the boat. The waters were rough, but I don't think Christopher was complaining about being on the tube between two cute girls. Christopher and I finished off the day watching the Springville Art City Days fireworks show. It was awesome. We were so close that the fireworks would light up Christopher's face as he squealed with delight. I had a wonderful evening with Christopher. We went for a walk, and he took off in his wheelchair and cruised all around the neighborhood. I followed wondering where he would go. As he got further and further from home, I finally had to turn him around, and he wheeled himself home.
As I took him potty, he sang the jeopardy jingle followed by the Star Spangled Banner. To conclude our evening he took a bath and disguised himself as Santa Clause. What a great blessing to be around a kid that loves his life and is contagiously happy. Thirteen years and one day ago, when I saw a family raising a child with disabilities, I actually pitied them. Based on what I understood the ingredients of a happy life to be at that time, I could not imagine how a family, who had to spend an extraordinary amount of time caring for a special child and who could not engage in the physical activities that I loved doing with my family, could create happiness like I had with my "normal" family. I was not outspoken about my feelings. In fact, I never shared my thoughts with anyone. I truly respected families who made the "sacrifice" to raise special children, but did not want to do it myself.
On June 3, 2000, my life and my perspective changed. My son, Christopher was born premature weighing only 1 pound and three ounces. He spent 5 months in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit before being sent home with the expectation that he would soon die. Truthfully, it was a process that probably took months or years for my perspective to completely change. Christopher defied medical expectations and chose to live. During the course of these past thirteen years, he has taught me and many others how to live and live happy. As I celebrated Christopher's birthday with our family today, I pondered on how my perspective has completely changed. I cannot imagine my life without Christopher. Now, I truly wish everyone had the opportunity to have a sweet child with disabilities like Christopher. Raising Christopher has enriched my life and brought joy beyond description. I LOVE YOU CHRISTOPHER! Happy Birthday my son. This past weekend was the Fourth Annual "Walk With Angels" fundraising event for the United Angels Foundation. UAF is a non-profit organization serving families with children with special needs. The event was awesome. Thanks to all of you who participated and donated. Here is a link to the Fox 13 News Story about the event: http://fox13now.com/2013/06/01/more-than-1000-walk-with-angels-to-support-those-with-special-needs/. In case you were wondering, it is not too late to donate to this wonderful organization. Just click on the following link to join Christopher's fundraising team. http://www.walkwithangels.info/view_team.php?team_id=218. All proceeds are used to serve families with special children. Thank You.
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