Brain surgery is now behind us. Iron Heart continues to make strides, a little more each day. He’s upright again, moving around, crushing physical therapy, and of course, building Lego. Naomi and I continue to be overwhelmed by our friends, family, and community. We cannot relay how much we appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and outpouring of support. Even strangers whom we’ve never met before have reached out offering their thoughts and prayers.
It’s easy to be inspired by William’s example. Guiding him through this journey, seeing him joke, smile, and sing throughout this process has been overwhelming. I wrote earlier how the world looks different immediately after learning about his diagnosis and the journey ahead. At the same time, the world also looks different watching his perspective. Watching him walk through this valley, Psalm 23 carries a new meaning, specifically verse 4:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
In many ways, he’s guiding me through this journey. I’ve shared some incredible moments watching in amazement how this seven-year-old warrior is taking this on with faith, optimism, and exceptional bravery. It’s harrowing watching your child go through this and to see him to do so with a smile and raising his iron fist – his courage, despite his fear, has Naomi and I in awe. His strength is inspiring ours; his light is illuminating ours. Never have I seen such real manifestation of Matthew 5:14-16, and by a seven-year-old child:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Stated poetically, Marianne Williamson’s famous poem “Our Deepest Fear” came to mind. If you’ve seen the movie Coach Carter, you’ll recall one of Coach Carter’s players recited this poem to him:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.”
As William has let his own light shine, his example has liberated me from my own fear. In one of the rougher moments of immense pain and nausea, Naomi told William that she would do anything to take this from him. He looked straight into her eyes and said,
“I wouldn’t let you Mom.”
His words are both beautiful and terrifying. Terrifying in that we all have such light in us, beautiful in the reminder that we are all meant to shine – and truly as children do.
I am forever changed by this young man.
William. My son. My hero. My Iron Heart
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