Conner shares his journey to acceptance

Being Conner’s mom is such a joy for me. He has overcome huge obstacles and works so hard to achieve his goals. ​

I can’t believe it’s almost time for him to head to college. He will start at the Honors College at Oregon State University in the fall. We are beyond proud, but we know it has not been easy. In an essay for a college-level English class, Conner wrote eloquently and candidly about his journey toward learning to accept and live with Usher and not let it define or limit him. I share some of it here with this permission.

I can’t say when it was exactly when I stopped looking at my disability as a limitation. Now I choose to look at it as a way to gain a new perspective on the world and the good that I could do. My disability is the reason I want to become a geneticist, so I can help people who have genetic disorders like me, and possibly help alleviate the symptoms. I also want to be a geneticist to show my younger brother, who has the same disabilities that I do, that he can achieve his dreams if he wants to, and that his disability does not control him. I want him to be and do whatever it is that he desires. I want him to be able to run carefree without worry like I do now. I want him to be able to play sports with other kids, and I want him to live his life without worry about what he can’t do because he can’t see or hear. I want him to be able to choose his own path. I just hope he accepts it earlier than I did.”

You can read his powerful essay here. Thank you, Conner, for everything you do for our family and the example you set for all your brothers, especially Dalton.