Claiming Victory as Our Son Who Uses a Wheelchair Heads to College
Today, I claim victory for myself, for my husband and for our son.
Today, I claim victory for all the mama and papa bears, aunties, uncles, foster parents and other grownups raising those out-of-the-box kiddos who, for whatever reason, struggle in the educational system.
Today, my almost 18-year old son, Amit completed his last final exam marking the conclusion of a 17-year, oftentimes harrowing journey through four educational systems in four cities and spanning two continents.
Today, the specifics of our story are not the focus.
Rather, I strive to strengthen you, the reader – you who are that grownup raising that child and coping with an educational system where anything but mainstream is considered a pariah.
Today, I thank the many “helpers” and try to forgive those who stood in our way or presented unnecessary obstacles.
Today, I assure you that luckily, there really are more “helpers” than “hinderers.”
Look for them.
Don’t give up and keep believing in your child.
Aim high.
Today, I celebrate Amit’s strength and resilience.
Born with a real bum leg but under a lucky star, the time has come for him to spread his wings.
Amit was awarded a five-year scholarship to study at the University of Texas at Arlington and play on the Moving Mavericks Wheelchair Basketball Team.
In two weeks, in the midst of this COVID-19 chaos, he is off to begin a new life chapter in a faraway land.
Fly high and steady, Amit.
…and always remember that the road home is the most welcoming.
This story originally appeared on Times of Israel.
Photo Credit: Bar Kallos
Zimra was born in Budapest and grew up in New York City. She immigrated to Israel in 1994 and for the past two decades has worked with diverse for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Zimra is mother to 4 children, ages 13 to 21. Inspired by her 18-year old son Amit, a lower limb amputee, she is passionate about competitive wheelchair basketball and spends much of her free time rooting for her favorite teams. Today, she and her family are living in the Southern Israel.
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