One of the best things I've ever read

Our babysitter's daughter, a wonderful girl who's in high school, got an assignment to write an essay about someone who's beaten the odds. Guess who she wrote about? I was really touched. I know Max has overcome so much, but it's amazing to hear from a person who's known him all his life. 

This story is about a little boy by the name of Max. Max is now eight years old. However, even though he is only eight years old, I truly believe he has beaten the odds.

You see, when Max was born he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This affected many of his major bodily functions. All this required that Max get various forms of therapy such as occupational, physical and speech therapies. All the therapists worked dedicatedly with Max, and his parents and friends remained hopeful.

Through all the challenges in his various stages of development, we all watched Max slowly but triumphantly reach different milestones with the help of his dedicated therapists and a strong, optimistic group of family and friends. Though his therapy sessions at times required a lot of exertion on his part during his tender years, this little boy maintained his grace and pleasant personality, always smiling, jolly and just downright adoring. His pleasantness was so contagious one could never remain sullen around him.

Through the years, I've watched Max grow and improve in some areas that at one time some may have thought he would not. I always remained hopeful for him, especially because he is such a cutie with his trademark smile. Today I see Max walking without the aid of a walker, running, sitting without support and using his hands in a number of ways which really thrills me, especially when he strokes my cheeks and feeds himself.

When I look book at how he started out, in comparison to his achievements, to me Max has overcome many odds and has helped me to see that with the ideal support of parents, supportive family, dedicated therapist and loyal friends, my mom being the foremost among them going more than the extra mile in many ways, a person can triumph over some of life's most daunting challenges.

In Max I not only see a little boy, I also see a victor who will go on to overcome whatever challenges may lie ahead. He is a real trooper.