The power of one
Nov. 15, 2009
As I sit at the computer tonight, I’m grateful this is a blog and not an oral presentation, as my voice still hasn’t recovered from the OSU/Iowa game Saturday night. As I sat at the game, just 1 of over 103,000+ fans cheering for Ohio State, I couldn’t help notice the sound coming out of the no more than 2,000 or so Hawkeye fans.
As Iowa crept back into the game, the sound of the few was starting to outweigh the sound of the many. I’ll admit I was a little annoyed, as that’s not supposed to happen “in our house.” When things would start to look grim, a sound would ring out, strong and true. One voice from the darkness, sparking a simple cheer, revitalizing hope to the situation at hand. This sound would soon spark those around them and grow section by section, to once again drown out those “negative” voices trying to sneak into our hearts.
It’s amazing how that same theme runs true in my family’s life. For all the little victories we see and strive for, every now and again a negative thought, statement or reminder comes through and steals our momentum. We too have been sent those single voices, rebuilding our hope, reviving our spirits and getting our team back in the right direction.
As Nathan’s parents, we’re biased about what others think about him, his progress and the things we can learn from him, but tonight for the second time, we’ve learned that his story does effect someone else’s life and helps to put life back into perspective. We expose Nathan to many people of many different ages, abilities, fields of study and research opportunities hoping that other can learn from him as we do from others. Last year, an OSU Physical Therapy student selected Nathan to be the topic of her senior project, helping increase awareness of PMG, and overcoming setbacks to basic life skills.
Tonight the messenger was that of a volunteer from the gymnastics classes Nathan enjoys so much. Holly Meyer is the special helper who has worked with Nathan for the last three 8-week sessions, helping with all of the stretching, jumping, walking, etc. of which he loves every minute. Holly's 15 year-old, daughter Hayley, has also helped kids close to Nathan's age and on a couple occastions worked with her mom to help Nathan have an extra fun time.
Everyone at Kidnetic Energy seems to be as big of a fan of Nathan as he is of them. Still, even through limited time together, there was a special connection from Nathan to Hayley, to have a special message she chost to share with her classmates. Nathan's love of life and fighting through difficulties was the subject of a report and speech she is presenting for her class this week. Annette and I are truly humbled by having our four-year-old sending a message to others, wanting to share how he has touched them.
When we built this site, my hope was to find someone else who’s life has been touched by polymicrogyria. It seemed to be a daunting task, but we knew we’d never find anyone unless we try to look. We sent out a simple message hoping others would hear, and the response has been overwhelming. In less than 3 months, we’ve found 6 PMG families. Their families have shared their stories and helped to share in our successes as we do in theirs.
Nathan may not talk, and chances are he never will, but he has a voice that speaks through those, like Hayley, who get to know him. When that message reaches others and grows, there’s no stopping the message it sends. It keeps getting louder and touches thousands of others. Thank you to all who speak and share our message as the victories are even sweeter when everyone can celebrate together.
Site designed, written and maintained by Kevin Rearick, Graphic Designer and PMG Dad - 2010