How A 6-Year-Old Taught Me A Life Changing Lesson
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How A 6-Year-Old Taught Me A Life Changing Lesson

I wish everyone had a Chase in their life

58
How A 6-Year-Old Taught Me A Life Changing Lesson
Carly Mathews

I know what you're thinking: "Did a six year old really do that much? I mean besides being cute, how much life-changing are they capable of?" And I know, I know. Most six year olds, and most people in general, don't have the capacity to make that big of an impact. But, this one did and still does.

Chase is my superhero six year old. He has cerebral palsy, autism, and a whole list of other health problems that he has to battle every single day. I met this superstar four years ago, when I began teaching him swim lessons. When we started, he couldn't even get his arms out of the water and he was exhausted at the end of a thirty minute lesson. Swimming, eating, playing, and even breathing is hard for this kiddo. But if you saw him, you'd never guess that to be the case.

Despite the struggles he faces when he swims, and when he really does anything, he's never once given up. He always greets me with a smiling face, and is running to jump into the pool before me. Chase works hard, and has worked at being able to go down the big boy water slides and swim the length of the pool for the past four years. And guess what? All that hard work paid off, because he did it. He swam the length and went down the slide, while his mom and I cried on the side of the pool.

Why were you crying, you might ask? You're just his swim teacher, not his mom, not family, so why?

I was crying because this fantastic, sweet, charming, smart little boy had finally done something that not many believed he could do. He overcame another obstacle in his life, and he did it amazingly.

Chase has been my kid for the past four years. He's made me laugh, he's made me mad, and he's frustrated me to no end. But he's also taught me something incredible, and that's to never stop thinking you can do it.

I know it's cliche, and that you've probably heard it from your parents and other family a million times in your life. But I'm not them, and I'm telling you the same thing. Don't let finances, fear, or anything else stop you from doing what you know you can do. Go to that school. Apply for that prestigious internship. Go abroad. Do the things that scare you, and do the things that you've dreamed about doing your whole life.

Look at Chase. Look at his obstacles, and look how far he's come despite them. So, yes. You can do whatever you want in your life, and you can do whatever you want with your life. You only have to think that you can.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
beer on the beach

Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!

75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

1135
woman in black and white long sleeve shirt carrying girl in red jacket in Venice beach
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash

SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

25 Lyrics for Selfie Captions

Because let's be honest, we all use lyrics.

53586
woman takes a selfie for social media
Pixabay

Sometimes you can't think of the perfect caption for your Instagram post. I love using lyrics as my captions because there's so many great lines in songs that just seem to fit in the moment. Here are some lyrics that could work for your selfie or pictures of you with your friends!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Bruce Springsteen's Top 7 Lyrics

Everything Bruce says in his classic rock songs.

20056
bruce springsteen album cover born in the usa

Anyone who was born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere really) knows of Bruce Springsteen, whether or not they like him is a whole other situation. I hope that his hundreds of classic rock songs and famous high energy performances, even in his sixties he can put on better concerts than people half his age, are at least recognizable to people of all ages. Love him or hate him (I identify with the former) you have to admit that some of his songs and interviews have inspirational quotes and lyrics.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

New England Summers Are The BEST Summers

Why you should spend your next summer in New England.

3887
Marconi Beach

Three years ago, I chose to attend college in Philadelphia, approximately 360 miles away from my small town in New Hampshire. I have learned many valuable lessons away from home, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Pennsylvania. One thing that my experience has taught me, however, is that it is absolutely impossible to beat a New England summer.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments