I am the proud grandmother of Zachary Noel Lee. He is 23 this year, and enjoys music and movies, much like other youth his age.

Growing up with a disability was a difficult yet fulfilling time for Zac and our family. Zac was born with Apert Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes early fusion of the skull and disproportionate growth of the facial muscles, as well as fusion of the fingers and toes. Because of this condition, Zac would have an operation to correct his skull to allow his brain to grow, and it was heart-breaking to see him go through the ordeal. We had also nearly lost him during the operation.

We breathed a sigh of relief as Zac gradually recovered from the operation, but he would still face difficulties sleeping. After we met a priest who prayed for him, he would overcome this challenge. This encounter strengthened my faith, and I begin to trust God with Zac’s recovery.

A little later, Zac would undergo another operation in order to correct his speech. It did not work as well as we had hoped, and Zac would still be unable to speak, yet I have faith that in God’s time, he will begin to speak.

Today, our family remains grateful for how far Zac has come, and how his journey overcoming his disability teaches us all to live life in all its fullness. While he cannot speak, he can still understand and read words, and he loves praying grace before meals. Even though to us it seems to be just sounds, he is fully conscious of what he is praying, and that is enough. He also loves music and singing, and we often catch him singing his favourite songs.

It deeply moves me when I see Zac living such a fruitful life. He has truly taught us what it means to love unconditionally, and has brought our family together. Personally, I've seen the courage shown by his parents, and how they have lovingly raised Zac without even a word of complaint. 

While no one truly knows what the future holds for us as a family, we are grateful to be part of Zac’s journey, and we look forward to continuing to walk alongside him in the years to come.

Contributor:

Contributed by Flory, grandmother to 23-year-old Zachary Noel Lee. Like many young people, Zachary has an interest in music, and can often be found singing along to his favourite songs.