You are a Warrior

Little did I know when I attended the Star Spangled Spectacular event on July 4th I would meet a young boy with a big story! I was scheduled to make an appearance at this event and have a booth to hand out information about bullying prevention. I met an amazing Mom and her son Dawson, at 11, my new best friend.  

Soon after Dawson was born he was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, and at the age of 2 months he had his first open heart surgery at Arkansas Children's Hospital.  

His mother was a first time Mom and she was terrified. In 2013, three stents were put in to try and push the valve replacement that he would eventually need. Being that Dawson is built small he has to wait longer to have the pro endure. With the condition that he has he was unable to play sports. He asked his doctor every time to see if he could hopefully play a sport. This past year he once again asked his doctor. His doctor finally said yes, but only if the sport is a mild no contact sport. After a few test Dawson got to play basketball in the upward bound program.  

When I met Dawson he looked at me and said, "I got bullied a lot at school, but my friends stand up for me. " His mom went on to say he got picked on a lot for being small and not being able to play sports and activities. She mentions that Dawson is one the sweetest and loving boys ever. He is just like every other little boy, and loves his video games. Dawson's mom also says that his doctor always tells him to play outside because "an active heart is a healthy heart". Meeting Dawson hits very close to my heart. To know this tiny little boy has been through so much, yet he has never given up. He is an amazing boy who might be small, but is a warrior. No matter how different you are from others it does not define who you are as a person. Dawson reflects this. He has never let any obstacles or others set him back. Right after I met Dawson, he left the event and his mom said he told her that he is ready for his valve replacement. We never know who or what we will come in contact with on any day. This little boy has inspired me more than he will ever know. Be strong, be brave, be fearless -Joshua 1:9 Bully Free Starts With Me, Miss Arkansas International 2017 Haley Bird