By Stephanie Stevens

(Please see photo presentation at bottom.)

If ever you think children are not paying attention to what is going on in the grown up world, if ever you thought they do not understand, if ever you thought they are just too young…think again.

Braeden Harris, who turned nine-years-old on Nov. 10, told his mom Kimberley instead of a birthday party this year he wanted to have a fundraiser for the East Kootenay Brain Injury Association.

Because Braeden wanted to help people like his daddy, my friend, Norm Gagatek.

Four years ago, Norm had a brain stem stroke.

The stroke and following complications resulted initially in Norm being almost totally unresponsive. Almost, but not quite. I remember just two days after his stroke, teasing him about wanting attention, and the boy who was my high school friend, who grew into the man who was one of the rocks in my life, squeezed my hand.

Kim was told to give up on him. She was told this by doctors, therapists, and people who once were counted as friends and colleagues.

She did not give up.

Nor did many of their closest friends. And neither did Norm.

Against almost insurmountable odds, Kim fought, and Norm fought, and last year, the two of them danced together at their wedding.

And all during this time, Norm’s son Braeden was watching. He watched the pain, the tears, the frustration. And he watched the love, the strength, and the uncompromising love his mommy has for his daddy.

And obviously, what he learned was what it means to help others, to give up personal gain for someone you love, and something you believe in.

Perhaps Braeden is too young to understand the impact his decision will have in the lives of everyone that attended his Community Birthday Party.

Perhaps he is too young to understand the word selflessness.

Perhaps he is too young to understand what a brain stem stroke really is.

But what Braeden does understand, is somehow his daddy’s brain was hurt, and now instead of running with him, he sits in a wheelchair and works hard to get better so he can play with him again. And Braeden definitely understand that raising money to help people like his daddy is a good thing.

Kim and Norm… that is a hell of wonderful son you are raising. Indicative of his parents.

We need more Braedens, of all ages.

Please click on images to enlarge.

Photos by Stephanie Stevens Photography

Stephanie Stevens is a professional writer and photographer who calls the Columbia Valley home.

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