The True Heroes

As I was driving to work this morning, I heard an amazing story on NPR.  It was one of those mornings where I’m glad I have a bit of a morning commute because I get to hear so many interesting stories on NPR.  It was about a doctor who treats children with brain cancer.  The story highlighted this doctor’s work on something called tumor paint, which would allow a tumor to glow so that surgeons can more easily tell where the tumor ends and healthy tissue begins.  It would make surgery less invasive.

This doctor also just sounds like an amazing individual.  I couldn’t imagine being in his shoes and having to tell families that their child is not going to make it.  He has had to do that many times, yet remains an optimistic person.  He said that he mourns the loss of every child but that instead of seeing tragedy in their deaths, he sees beauty in their lives.  Someone doesn’t need to reach the age of 90 in order to have lived a beautiful life.

“A child who is going to die from their cancer isn’t mourning the high school prom they’re not going to get to go to.  They’re not mourning the fact that they won’t drive their first car. For a child, it’s, are they happy? Are their parents happy? Are people crying in the room? Is a cute dog going to come in and visit them at 2 o’clock in the afternoon? It’s all about that moment, that day.” – Dr. Jim Olson

The story then turns to a mother who lost a child to brain cancer.  Hearing this mother talk was amazing.  Her perspective on life, even though she had lost a child, was admirable.  After being given the news that her child was going to die due to his brain cancer, she and her husband went behind the curtain near their son’s hospital bed and said ‘This is just like when you’re going to be dead.  I’m still here, you’re still there.  We just can’t see each other.’

Those parents are strong people.  How they were able to hold it together and teach their child not to be afraid so soon after getting the most devastating news that anyone could ever be given.

Those parents out there who deal with things of this nature are true heroes.  I started this blog for many reasons – to connect with other parents of children with LM, to chronicle Atticus’ story, to keep friends and family up to date – but not because I think that I am a hero parent or even close to being one.

Yes, Atticus was born with a rare condition and needs period surgery and has a tracheostomy.  But, my child is healthy, my child does not have a terminal disease, my child is smart and developmentally on point.  I am not a hero.  I am just a mother who deals with some extra things and who wants to spread awareness and raise a strong boy who will rise above despite his facial differences.

The parents out there who so bravely go through life after dealing with the death of a child and who are able to see the beauty in their child’s life and remain positive and happy for their children – they are the true heroes.