Bri...my hero
Heroes. What do you think about, when you hear the word “hero”? Do you think of cartoon or comic book versions of Superman, Spiderman or the Incredible Hulk? Do you think of someone saving another person’s life? Are you reminded of a situation in which someone helped you out? Maybe you picture an athlete or a star.
Sometimes a hero is someone who inspires you, someone who regardless of his or her disability, lives life to the fullest. For our family, my great niece Brianna is our hero. Brianna was born without her lower right forearm and hand, caused by Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS). While in utero, her forearm and hand were caught in fibrous amniotic bands. Although we were all initially shocked and saddened by the news, Brianna quickly proved to us that having a missing limb is simply a way of life and not something to feel sorry about.
Brianna had to endure surgery prior to the age of one due to a different complication. While in the hospital, she kept a happy disposition and was loved by the nurses and doctors. Brianna is spunky, loving and adoring. She will be two in May and thoroughly loves her older brother Zach.
Bri naturally compensates for her missing hand. She can beat on a drum, she can push her toy baby stroller and she has mastered jumping from the coffee table to the couch to the floor! When other children inquire about Bri’s missing hand, they accept the fact that she was born that way. It’s not a big deal to them.
It’s not a big deal to them…but at what age does our society make a BIG DEAL out of people who may look a little different? Obviously it happens–we rarely see a person with a noticeable handicap in the limelight. Maybe we need to learn from kids–it’s no big deal if someone is blind, walks with crutches, or has a missing limb. It’s no big deal.
Bri is our hero because of her love for life. I actually think her mother, Amanda, is a hero as well. Amanda opened her own tutu business to help get the word out regarding ABS. According to Amanda, “The tutus and bows are all made in honor of my little princess Brianna (aka Bri) Even the name All Brianna’s Style represents her. She’s one stylish little girl and she also has amniotic band syndrome (ABS). It hasn’t stopped her one bit from doing everything the other little girls do.” Amanda encourages Bri to figure out things on her own. She is an advocate for children with special needs.
We know as Bri gets older, there may be rude or ignorant comments made. However, I believe that Bri will be able to take it all in stride and won’t let it knock her down. We believe that she can be anything she wants to be. Her dad loves to golf and we’re waiting for the day she can beat him on the golf course! May Bri continue to inspire others for many years to come. We thank God for the blessing of Bri (and Zach)!
How about you? Who’s a hero in your life? Why?
Listen to your heart…
