My son is now seven years old. Since birth he has been confined to a wheelchair. The doctors spoke coldly and bluntly about his diagnosis: “He will never walk again.” But this condition has not made him weak. On the contrary.
He is growing and becoming an incredibly intelligent, intellectual boy who loves to read books and ask hundreds of questions about everything.
And yet, he has one dream — in his case, an impossible one. He dreams of becoming a runner.
Of course, my son understands that his diagnosis is a serious obstacle. But no one can stop you from dreaming. And he dreams, hopes, and believes.
I honestly admit that sometimes I catch myself thinking: “I want to be like my son, just as optimistic, just as strong, and able to love life no matter what.” One day something happened that, at that time, I didn’t give much meaning to. My son and I were walking near an old church, and he suddenly asked me to stop — having noticed a large angel statue in the yard.
“Dad, wait,” he said.
I stopped the stroller, and then something happened I never expected. My son folded his hands, closed his eyes, and began to pray. His voice trembled, but every word was sincere.
“I want to walk. Please, give me strength. I will not do anything bad and I will always be good.”
My heart tightened from this childlike prayer. I didn’t know what to say, so I just stood there while he prayed. Then he opened his eyes, smiled, and said:
“Let’s go, Dad.”
I thought it was just a moment of childish faith, nothing more. And soon I forgot about it. But my son did not forget.
A few months later something unexpected happened that completely shocked us. 
Continuation — in the first comment
Several months passed. We went to the doctor for a routine check‐up. Everything was as usual — standard questions, examination, routine notes in the chart. But at one moment the doctor frowned and looked intently at my son.
“You say that when you were pouring tea, and drops accidentally fell on your feet, did you feel pain?” — he asked.
“Yes. Why?” — replied my son, surprised.
The doctor was silent, then sighed deeply and said something that made my head spin.
“Do you see, if you felt pain, that means sensitivity in your feet has been restored. And that is an incredibly important sign. It means that not everything is lost. You have a chance.”
I couldn’t believe my ears. For so many years they told us that everything was hopeless. And now, suddenly, hope has sprung up.
The doctor explained: in order to restore my son’s ability to walk, a complex surgery is needed. A very expensive surgery, which requires a long recovery period.
We are now raising money for the surgery. We are helped by friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have heard our story.
And do you know what? I no longer have any doubt. My son will definitely stand up. He will become a runner. Because faith, hope, and love are stronger than any diagnosis.
