I was watching Good Morning America this morning and learned about 9-year-old Connor and 6-year-old Cayden Long. Cayden has Cerebral Palsy and his brother Connor decided he wanted to help him experience things that he may not have the chance to experience.   Connor knew that because of his disability, his brother wouldn’t be able to experience things  like other kids would. Connor decided to run in triathlons with his brother so he could give him that opportunity.
They were just chosen as Sports Illustrated’s 2012 Sports Kids of the Year. The interesting part of the story is that Cayden’s brother Connor has inspired his family to look at his brother’s disability in a new way. Their mother was telling Josh Taylor, who interviewed them,  how she and her husband had grieved when they were told that their child was disabled.  Too often, parents of children who are disabled grieve for the lack of ability their child experiences in their lives because of a disability.
In my opinion, life with a disability is an opportunity to accomplish things in a different way. I know it may be upsetting for a parent at first but, the way I look at it, I haven’t missed the things I have been unable to do so, I am not sad about being born with my disability. I could be wrong but, I don’t believe children miss what they do not know.
I am very impressed that Connor, at his young age,  is and was able to show his parents and others the potential his brother has despite his disability. It will be interesting to see how else Connor may advocate for his brother in the future and what else they might accomplish as a team.
Here is the link in case you would like more information:
Thanks for reading…
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