Voices of the Children
For the past several years my Grandson, Zack, has helped take care of his mother, Sally, who was stricken with a particularly advanced case of Multiple Sclerosis. She is completely dependent on others to transfer, assist with eating, dressing, bathing, etc. She has a home health worker who comes in each weekday for about 6 hours; however, that still leaves many other hours that require assistance. Zach’s dad, Keith, is a housepainter and sometimes works long hours and weekends, so many times Zack is Sally’s only caregiver.
Zach has learned to give his mother her medication injections. He has learned to transfer her from her wheelchair to the commode or the bed. He has taken care of her hygiene when she could not do it for herself, and in a way that left Sally with her dignity.
Zach has taken on these duties without complaint and in doing so, has missed many of the usual childhood activities. Additionally, he continues to get straight A’s in his school work. He has been in the GATE program at Valley View Elementary, and starts this year at Fairmont Jr. High, also with accelerated classes.
As you can imagine, Zack is not a typical 12-year-old, but more like a young adult, taking on an adult role. The care and compassion he shows to his mother is outstanding. He puts her first above all else, and is very protective of her, even dealing with the home health agency people on her behalf.
Zack is a very special boy and I hope that others recognize the spirit and character he has developed by unselfishly stepping into a role not meant for a boy his age.
Thank you for your consideration of this nominee.