I read this quote and it’s fitting: “Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” Arthur Golden
Our life is raw, bare, real. When the wind- our child’s diagnosis- is in the midst of tearing us apart, all we see is heartache, sorrow, fear. But there are moments of beauty in this wind torn life, and because we’ve been through as much as we have, those moments fill us to the brim.
One of Trey’s babysitters who we met when we moved onto our street five years ago, is now applying to University and he wrote a piece on Trey. I wanted to share it with you. Because we all need moments of beauty:
Trey and MPS II
I was first introduced to MPS II when I met our new neighbours 5 years ago. The oldest son, Trey, was diagnosed with the life-altering disease before he was 2. MPS II affects hearing, lung capacity, mobility, bone structure, and cognitive abilities; essentially, it leaves nothing untouched, and significantly shortens life expectancy. Right away I was contacted by the mother about babysitting her 3, 5, and 7 year old children, and I accepted without hesitation. I saw immediately how uniquely Trey looks at life: his positive outlook, his ability to always be smiling, his fascination with every person he meets. People often take life’s simplicities for granted, which is something Trey helped me realize. He opened my eyes to what is really important in life, simply by living his. I have been babysitting them for almost 5 years, and it has taught me more than I ever could have imagined. The task of caring for 3 children under 10, with one requiring special needs, was a challenge in itself, but a challenge I overcame and grew to enjoy. Watching Trey grow, fighting through challenges no one should face, has matured me immensely, and positively altered my view on life forever.
Thank you Roan for showing me how Trey has changed you, for seeing his gifts and not his disability, and thank you Trey, for changing the world.
This is Roan. Roan, I wish you all the best as you enter this new journey in life!!
