Legacy: Reflections of a Grandfather

Norm Winnerman 

“In the long run, there were gifts granted us that would never have been appreciated had this child with this rare syndrome not been born. I don’t think our view of what was, and what was not truly important in life, would have been as focused as it became. I don’t believe that the inner strength displayed by my own child’s family would have been as obvious to them, and to all around them, without the challenge with which they had to contend.

This was a life-changing experience for all of us in this family. I honestly have to say that it is one that I could easily have done without. However, it made each of us better people in a variety of ways: we were strong; we were vulnerable; we were sensitive; we were giving; we were more charitable; we were questioning; we were challenged and we met the challenge; we were supportive; we reached out and we were forever changed. 

While the legacy of this 4 1/2 year old was not material, the spiritual and emotional legacy left will last as long as I live. She had a most positive and wonderful influence on my life from the day she was born. It just took a while to figure it out!”