Supercool Parents

I learned today that the award winning actor, Chris Cooper, had a premature baby years ago. Due to his prematurity, Jesse had cerebral palsy, was a quadrapelegic, and could not speak. He lived till he was 17 years old. Jesse experienced ridicule and was told he did not belong in many situations. His mother, Marianne Leone fought the New York Public School system to give him his educational rights. Despite his handicaps, Jesse enjoyed life. He loved surfing, was on the honor roll, and wrote poetry.

According to Marianne Leone, “People refer to him as a burden, but we never saw him that way. He was a joy to us, and a teacher. The feeling of loss never goes away.” She wrote a painful memoir, "Knowing Jesse".

I cannot help but think of Miles, he was expected to develop severe handicaps due to his prematurity. We planned on loving Miles and cherishing him unconditionally. During his one month of life, we loved him wholeheartedly.  I adore these parents for showing Jesse unconditional love.