My friend Nancy’s nephew, Declan Farmer, is heading to Sochi, Russia for the Paralympics. I’ve heard Nancy talk about Declan over the years, and how he’s overcome a significant physical challenge to excel at a world-class level.
I’ve also heard Nancy talk about Declan’s parents and what they’ve done to help Declan succeed. What is their secret? They would say that it’s nothing they’ve done, that everything Declan has done has been achieved through his hard work. But Nancy knows, and all of us moms know that loving our children through their struggles and challenges takes everything we’ve got… and then some.
“My sister or her husband will drive 14 hours round-trip in one day for a prosthetics fitting.” Nancy says. “They will stay at an ice rink until well past midnight to let Declan practice as late as he wants. And all of these years, I have never heard them complain. They consider it a joy and an honor to get to raise a son who is so self-motivated, appreciative, and courageous. Declan is their hero. All three of them are mine.”
Here’s to Declan and to all of our children who have faced their challenges so bravely. You are an inspiration. And go team USA!
