Jeffrey's Gift
By Donna Lowich "The Christmas tree is soooo much bigger than last year!" Jeffrey sing-songed in five-year-old fashion, dancing around the beautifully wrapped gifts. He turned to me, his chocolate-brown eyes reflecting the tree's blinking lights. "Isn't the tree much bigger and more beautiful than last year's, Mommy?" "It is a much bigger tree than last year's tree," I agreed. At least that's what I'd been told. Christmas 1985 was not even a memory for me. I had undergone two spinal cord surgeries that year, and I didn't have any recollections of the holiday. A table-top tree was all my husband, Walter, had been able to manage. He tried to make it festive, but it had been difficult for both of them. But this year I was home, and we anticipated a festive Christmas for 1986. After months in the hospital and rehab center, I had looked forward to life-like-it-used-to-be. Instead, I encountered reality and disappointment -- in myself. While I was still making progress, it was slow, and I was not nearly where I expected to be in my recovery. I wished things could be different. I wished everything could be as it once was. With these thoughts in mind, I rose slowly from my chair and made my way to the stairs. Jeffrey stopped singing, and I knew he was watching me as I struggled to climb the steps. I heard quick little running steps, and he grabbed my hand to help. He looked up and said in all solemnity, "Sometimes I wish it was me." Gripped by the power of his words, I hugged him tightly, burying my face in his wavy brown hair, squeezing my eyes shut to fight back the tears.
"Oh, no, Jeffrey, no!" I interrupted. "But, if it was me," he insisted, "you could carry me up the stairs." His eyes brimmed with tears as he looked down at the floor. "I can't carry you." His poignant, generous words jolted me like nothing else could. In an instant, my introspective melancholy dissolved to a deep sense of gratitude and love. No, things were not the same as they once were -- maybe they never would be. But now I realized how unimportant that truly was. Especially in light of Jeffrey's unselfish thoughts. Finally I felt at peace. I looked at the glowing Christmas tree. "You know, Jeffrey, I believe you're right. This year's tree is bigger and more beautiful than any other." Today, Donna continues her recovery because making one's way back from a spinal cord injury is a life long process. You keep moving forward, one step at a time. 
This story reminds us all that our commitment to finding cures for spinal cord injury and improving the lives of people living with paralysis affects not just the person afflicted, but all the people who love and care for him or her. This story has been published in "Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschooler's Soul: Stories to Refresh the Soul and Rekindle the Spirit of Moms of Little Ones.." Editor's note: Donna Lowich is an Information Specialist in the Foundation's Paralysis Resource Center. Donna was spinal cord injured over twenty years ago and has since dedicated her life to helping others living with paralysis. More from Donna Jeffrey's Room Full of Memories Back to Work I Go That's What Sons are for A Valentine's Day with Lots of Heart More Than a Thousand Words Jeffrey's Gift Helping Hands Tell us your story |
The American Camping AssociationAccredits camping facilities, including dozens across the U.S. that cater to kids with paralysis, to assure a safe and healthy experience. Click above to locate a camp.
Children With DisabilitiesOffers information about advocacy, education, employment, health, housing, recreation, technical assistance, and transportation covering a broad array of developmental, physical, and emotional disabilities.
The Council for Exceptional ChildrenDedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.
Children's Neurobiological SolutionsChildren's Neurobiological Solutions, Inc. (CNS) is a national, non-profit organization supporting collaborative research to advance treatments and therapies for children with neurodevelopmental abnormalities, birth injuries to the nervous system, and related neurological problems. CNS offers families and health care providers information and educational resources.
Exceptional ParentThe magazine often runs a column on dentistry for people with disabilities.
DREAMMS for KidsDevelopmental Research for the Effective Advancement of Memory and Motor Skills specializes in assistive technology for students and youth with special needs in schools, homes, and the community.
The Fathers NetworkSupports men who have children with special needs through support and mentoring programs, technical assistance, national conferences and information resources.
Internet Resources for Special ChildrenProvides information to parents, family members, caregivers, friends, educators, and medical professionals who provide for children with disabilities and other health related disorders.
Getting Benefits for KidsThis link illustrates the kinds of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits a child with a disability might be eligible for and explains how we evaluate disability claims for children.
Indian Health ServiceU.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.
KidsHealthOffers reliable health information about children from before birth through adolescence, with separate areas for kids, teens, and parents.
Kids MoveDevoted to pediatric movement disorders with up-to-date information about the recognition, assessment, treatment, and support.
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)Provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals; special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22).
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative ServicesThe Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is committed to improving results and outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages.
Our-KidsAn online family of parents, caregivers and others working with children with physical and/or mental disabilities.
Parents On WheelsSite is dedicated to parents who use wheelchairs.
The Shriners HospitalsThe Shriners have three facilities in the U.S. to provide expert, no-cost care to children under 18 with spinal cord injuries.
Through the Looking GlassThe purpose of the National Parent-to-Parent Network at Through the Looking Glass is to connect parents, as well as those who are considering becoming parents, with others who may have shared similar experiences or faced common barriers as parents with disabilities.
Quality of Life Grants DatabaseFind resources within the PRC Quality of Life Grants Database. Search by Zip Code, State or an Entire Category.
Library Books and VideosFind resources within the PRC library catalog.
Check out programs in your area on our one-of-a kind online searchable Quality of Life program database. You can search by location or topic. GO
