My son doesn't call very many people his best friends. My youngest son calls everyone his best friend, but Nathanael reserves the term for only a select few.
Zackary is one of his best friends.
Today we celebrated Zackary's 11th birthday. It was a lot of fun with a Hummer Limo (pictured above), a safari theme birthday and LOTS of zebra items (Zackary's favorite animal - favorite thing in the world - is the zebra). And while that is wonderful and bunches of fun, that wasn't what made this party so incredible.
What made this party so amazing is that over four years ago Zackary was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. We were told that he wouldn't make it to his 8th birthday.
He did.
Over the past several years he has had surgeries, strokes, emergency room visits, headaches, nose bleeds, and so many other difficult and unpleasant things. And he has endured. And he has lived. And he has inspired.
He never should have made it this far.
And he did.
And he is.
He is such an amazing person. His beautiful smile is contagious and his bravery and love for life are inspiring. He is a living miracle and a living testimony of God's love. I can say with all honesty that he is one of my favorite people.
So is his mom. The unsung hero, the calm in the midst of the storm. She is the epitome of strength and faith. She does the impossible every single day with the strength of a thousand men and the gentleness of an angel. I am honored to call her my friend, and even more humbled that she calls me hers. She is also an incredible writer, and she wrote him a poem for his birthday.
Heart of a Champ
By Soyla Reyna
You can see it in your eyes
When life can be a challenge
The pain you endure as you fight
Your way through the storms
No one, nor anything can bring you down
A Heart of a Champ.
No blows or hits from an opponent
No one ringing a bell in your corner
You don't get tired of pressing
Through each day with a smile.
You display
A Heart of a Champ.
You are a gift to everyone
You give so much of yourself
You never complain or question life
You have the courage of a Lion
The uniqueness of a Zebra
And the Heart of a Champ.
2 comments:
I know this isn't about Nathanael, but I gotta say this: from what I know of your son, he's also a part of what made it so Zackary has had the strength to carry through. Kids like him make others do better because he cares about them.
Thank you for dancing with me Zach! Happy Birthday!!!!!!! I love you!
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