Extraordinary People

Meet Noah: Noah is my first cousin once removed (translation-my cousins son) and he was born with cerebral palsy. There are many links to cerebral palsy but doctors are not sure what actually caused Noah's. As an infant Noah experienced many seizures caused from his condition that only made matters worse. Despite his situation he is a remarkable seven year old boy! Imagine for a moment that mentally you were exactly who you are at this very minute but you had no physical control over your body. Terrifying isn't it? Well that is how Noah lives every minute of every day. Cognitively, mentally, and emotionally he is seven years old but he is trapped inside a body that will not move when he wants it to. Yet, he smiles and laughs and enjoys life! He is truly and inspiration to me! If he has nothing to complain I certainly shouldn't?

Now meet Lori: Lori is Noah's mom. When she was pregnant with Noah she was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors told her that because the cancer had progressed so far her best option was to terminate her pregnancy and undergo treatment. She refused...of course. I would have done the same thing. Anyway, they did what they could for her but her cancer continued to progress rapidly. Then when she was about six months pregnant she went into labor and Noah entered the world. As Noah was wheeled to the NICU she was taken to surgery. Then came radiation and chemo therapy. How she ever got through those first few months I have no idea. It would have been so difficult for me to be separated from my newborn baby. Melody is almost two and it is still hard for me to be away from her. I would have fallen apart if I were Lori. The strength and perseverance she has is amazing to me! Eventually Noah was pronounced a healthy baby and went home. As time went by they began to notice that Noah was not developing his muscles and coordination as he should. He would not reach for things and could not hold on to objects. Then the seizures began and he was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Among other courses of treatment he had to have hyperbaric chamber sessions. Due to his age someone had to be in the tank with hm but Lori was not allowed to because of her radiation. That would have broke my heart! As a mother you instinctively want to go through everything with your children and when they are sick you do not want to leave their side but through it all Lori was so courageous and determined to overcome every challenge set before her. Eventually Lori went into remission but unfortunately every treatment given to Noah had little to no effect. Noah is now seven years old, he still wears a diaper and probably will for the rest of his life, he will never walk, he can not feed himself, and has numerous other physical limitations. Yet both Noah and Lori always have a smile on their faces! When you see either of them you can't help but smile too!

We spent last weekend at Disneyland with them and they are extremely remarkable! Nothing can get them down. Sure they have their moments. Sometimes Noah gets so frustrated because he can not do something he really wants to and sometimes Lori cries because her little boy is suffering so much and there is little she can do to ease his pain or because she is overwhelmed by how demanding caring for him can be. Despite it all though they both understand that it is all a test and that they can overcome whatever comes their way. I think about the trials I face in my life and they are nothing compared to what they have been through!

Noah and Lori are both extraordinary individuals and I feel so blessed that they are a part of my life. They are such an inspiration to me. Whenever I feel discouraged I think about them and remember that I to can overcome anything. However, there is one other extraordinary person in my life I would like to mention...her name is Melody! Watching her with Noah would have melted any one's heart, but it especially melted mine! She was so loving and gentle. She would hold his hand, want to sit on his lap, and give him kisses. When he was sad, she was sad. When he was happy, she was happy. His eyes would light up every time he saw her! If only I were half as good a person as she is. Noah, Lori, and Melody have all inspired me to diligently strive to be a better wife, mother, friend, and person in general. How blessed I am to have such EXTRAORDINARY people in my life!