Of all of the guilt and worry disabled or chronically ill parents have over whether or not their children will turn out alright or hate them for life, from what I have read and heard from other parents, it seems their kids turn out just fine and in fact can turn out to be more compassionate and empathetic than a child with “normal” parents.

I see that already in Tyler, even at his young age.  At just a little over two-years-old, if it looked like I had too many things to carry along with my cane, Tyler would tell me, “I carry, Mama”, and he would take his cooler bag which contained his sippy cups.  Pretty heavy for a two-year-old but he would insist, happily carrying his load.

There’s been a few times where Grant would have a forgetful moment and rush out of a place, leaving me with more things that I can manage.  Tyler would just look at me and pick up what he could.

I’m so proud of my little gentleman.  Even though he doesn’t know that I am sick, cannot grasp something like chronic illness, there is already something there that tells him to help his mama.  I hope he will continue to grow into a respectful little boy and young man who will not only help me but others who need it as well.