Share

I am thankful today for the hurdles I have in front of me, I can still jump. I met Dean today and my life has been changed forever. Dean you see is paralyzed since the day I was born. Dean was paralyzed in the prime of his life. Four children and a stay at home wife.

In 1963 he went into a paralytic state and baffle the Doctors in Chicago. They gave him a week to live. He was laid up in different hospitals not for weeks, months but years. Doctors with no clue. No MRI. No Cat Scan None of the diagnostic tools we have today. Dean & His wife carried on. His wife worked with him and worked. After many years he is able to communicate but a lot of times She has to translate so all can understand.

I sat transfixed on this dignified man as he held the family dog and reviewed the contract under consideration. He clearly said."I need to sleep on it" In control of the situation and the room. I just sat & prayed to myself, Lord how weak I have been." What moral spiritual fortitude would it take to fight for on for 46 years in his condition. Laughing at the doctors.

After our business was concluded. We had a lively discussion about Doctors, medicine, Health Care reform and Autism. I did not want to leave. Again, I knew that I had stumbled on one of those CNN Dr. Gupta moments of Cheating death and moving forward. Many have said my story of two heart attacks have motivated them. Well Folks you need to meet Dean. I plan to spend as much time in his presence as I can.

You See his final words to me as I was about to leave....

Big Smile.... "I outlived those Doctors" Dean just celebrated his 76th Birthday!

Happy Holidays & God Bless one and All!

http://www.causecast.org/member/tanners-dad

What can you do today...

If you are a parent... Love your child unconditionally. Do not let your child feel they are any less because they cannot communicate the way we do or look after themselves. Do not forget to look after yourself and your significant other. ( If you don't have one find one...There is someone out there for everyone. You deserved to be loved also). Join a church. Speak to your friends. Keep up the good fight.

If you are Friend... If you have resources please consider supporting Generation Rescue as they move the agenda towards services and support programs. If you do not have financial resources provide respite services... Babysit, go with a parent to the grocery store, or running errands. Be there to listen.