‘For some people, it takes 70 years for them to make an impact on the world; for Bryson, it took just 7.’ – Amanda, Bryson’s Mom
Over the past 20 months, I have heard about many amazing children through their powerful stories. None, however, affected me in quite the way that Amanda’s story of Bryson did. Perhaps it is because he was a 27 week premie and it reminded me of days caring for tiny premies. Perhaps, it is also because of his many months, and even years, spent in the hospital with his multiple medical problems. Perhaps it is because I think of all of those ‘medical moms’ that have become such dear friends to me.
It could be any of the above, but I don’t think it is really any of those reasons at all. I think the reason why this story is so powerful to me is because of the way this story shows that knowing Bryson made everyone around him a better person. Everyone. Amanda says that nurses tell her they are better nurses, more caring because they knew Bryson. He impacted doctors, staff, even the people assigned to clean his room. When he died, a hospital and a whole community grieved with Amanda for it seems that everybody knew Bryson.
Bryson’s impact on the world, however, did not die when he did. His legacy continues to make people better even today eight years later. Amanda’s husband did not meet her until after Bryson died, but he feels that he knows Bryson and holds him as part of his family. Perhaps the most powerful story ones at the end of the podcast episode when Amanda shares a letter written by the father of Bryson’s favorite doctor who met him for only 15 short minutes. All I can say is, ‘Wow. What a kid! If we could all just be a little more like Bryson.’
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