The Teacher I never Expected: Meeting Benji

Our son, Benjamin (“Benji”) was born and immediately whisked to intensive care with numerous medical problems. Shortly after he was born, the diagnosis came: 22q13 deletion syndrome (now known as Phelan McDermid syndrome); a disorder so rare that only a few dozen cases had been reported worldwide. The geneticist's words were prophetic: "Take him home, love him, he will write his own story."

Where It All Began: Our Journey Starts Here

The first year was constant medical crises and appointments, feeding struggles, and sleepless nights. Benji couldn't hold his head up in a stroller at a year old. But while professionals painted pictures of severe limitations, I saw a child with engaging eyes and a heart-melting smile who seemed to clearly understand everything around him.

Continued...