Life Lessons From a Young Child That Will Inspire Anyone

And I’m fortunate enough to call this “young child” my son.

Liberty invited “that little voice inside you… whatever inspires you” as a prompt in her latest newsletter. Instantaneously, as is common for many parents, thoughts raced to my children.

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging roles in life. It’s a constant emotional rollercoaster, filled with moments of joy, pride, and unconditional love, but also moments of worry, fear, and heartache. As a parent, we hope and pray that our children will have a happy and healthy life, but sometimes life has other plans. This is the unknowing chapter that my motherhood journey would be taking.

One of my children has faced more challenges in his young life than most adults ever will. He was born with a protein intolerance, which caused him to have low muscle tone and delayed fine and gross motor skill development. At a year, he was just 16 lbs. His body started rejecting any form of protein — ultimately leading to supplemental liquids until he was six.

He had to work twice as hard as other children to reach developmental milestones and even though he often fell short, he never gave up. He pushes through with endless patience and determination. He continues to overcome so many challenges other children seemingly tackle with ease.

At the age of two, he was diagnosed with a cataract. Yes, children can develop cataracts. Child-onset cataracts are rare — which is something my family learned the hard way. For him, it was a unilateral cataract and likely the impact of metabolic disease.

Light hits his eye, causing blinding pain.

“It’s like he’s being stabbed with 1,000 needles.”

His doctor informed us. The brain shuts down the synapses to protect itself. Treatment began immediately…

At the age of three, he began having six-hour seizures.

It was a terrifying experience for our family, and it felt like our world was crashing down. We didn’t know when our little boy would return. We’d wait and rest by his side as he faded into a comatose state. But my son, with his unwavering spirit, navigating every episode and subsequent medical procedure, never once losing his courage or positive attitude.

As he grew older, we discovered that he had multiple learning disabilities and faced paralyzing social anxiety. It was a difficult realization, but my son doesn’t let it define him.

He continues to push himself and face every challenge head-on.

He never gives up or loses hope, even when the world — at times — seems to be against him.

What inspires me the most about my son is his resilience. He doesn’t know a life any different from what he has, but he knows the challenges he faces are “different” than others. He embraces a courageous spirit with all his heart that positivity influences anyone he meets.

He doesn’t let his challenges hold him back or stop him from living life to the fullest.

He has the biggest heart and is the most loving soul you could ever imagine.

He has taught me what true strength and courage look like.

Watching my child face these challenges with grace and determination has taught me more about life than any book or lecture ever could.

It’s taught me to never take anything for granted, to appreciate the little things, and to never give up, no matter how tough the road may seem.

My son is my hero, my inspiration, and my biggest teacher.

He has shown me that anything is possible if you dare to face it.

He has shown me that love, determination, and resilience can conquer any obstacle.

And most of all, he has shown me that no matter what life throws at you, as long as you have a loving heart and a strong spirit, you can overcome anything.

So to my son, I want to say thank you.

Thank you for inspiring me every day with your strength and courage.

Thank you for teaching me the true meaning of unconditional love.

Thank you for being the most amazing child a parent could ask for.

You are my greatest blessing and a true gift to the world. I am forever grateful to have you as my son.

Looking for more inspiration? Read Daniel Ng piece about the magic of Ironman.

“People come together in one unity and purpose — to help every athlete cross the finish line.”

About the Author: Mom first in everything I do. Follow my parenting perspective in PARENTS PEN, a medium publication. Career in local government. Writer somewhere in the mix. Editor for The Shortform on Medium. Join me and gain access to unlimited stories (using this link, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support and for helping turn my dream into a reality!