Some are born to build, others, to acquire. Some are born to hear, others, to inspire.
His story isn’t over, but it is being written to inspire.
It’s my brother’s birthday, and today, Nathan is 26.
If you’ve never met him, you’re missing out. He’s a quick-witted, lover of people. He’s full of compliments and compassion. If you’re not smiling, you’re being engaged in conversation about your interests.
The glass is, and will remain, half full.
This isn’t your typical, younger-sister gush. It’s a lot more than that. I’ll tell you why.
Nathan had to overcome obstacles that most of us couldn’t endure in a nightmare. A car accident left his brain and body broken nearly a decade ago. If you were commuting in San Antonio in February of 2004, you remember the day. A major highway was shut down, a group of heroic nurses saved the lives that they could, and the story was all over the news. He shouldn’t have made it. A couple didn’t. But he did.
Several weeks later the primary concern was less about his survival and more about his recovery. Was he going to wake up? And if he did, what would happen next? Nobody knew and few would predict.
His steps toward progress were slow. The day his eyes opened he stared straight ahead, unresponsive. Eventually they began moving around the room. Slowly and less-than-surely he came out of it.
The prayers and support for our family were endless. It still warms my heart to remember that part.
Months went by, and Nathan had to learn the basics. You know, the things we take for granted like talking? He had to relearn at 16-years-old. Months of bed rest made his muscles weak, but he pushed on. We retired his wheel chair, and he walked.
Some are born to inspire, and today we don’t just celebrate his birthday, but his victory.
You’d suppose the fight left him weary, but his spirit is kinder. When he could be discouraged by the hardships that remain almost a decade later, there’s joy. There’s gratitude. There’s hope.
Happy Birthday big brother. Thank you for fighting to be where you are now. You are dearly loved, and your story is being written to inspire.
Nate is like an Easter Basket on Easter morning! Truly, he is a ray of sunshine and his smile is contagious.
Happy Birthday Nate! I’m so glad I have the privilege to call you family. (Well, that’s stretching it, I know!)
I think you’re definitely family 🙂 And I agree… He brings so much light wherever he goes!!
Awesome story Alicia. Love you Nathan! Happy birthday man. I’m so happy for God’s plan in you!
Thanks Josh 🙂
Oh I remember where I was, what I was doing and the tears I cried when I received that phone call. I was in the same class with nate at TCA and I remember how it shook our whole class.
I also remember being in chapel helping lead witg the praise team and our principal burdting through the doors shouting that he had woken up!!!
I remember your parents bringing him up to the school to be included in the basketball photos for yearbook, and the shouts that shook the gym as well all screamed during the last minutes of a game “on for john to state for nate!!!”
How aeesome that God has brought him so far and is using his life as a testimony.
Happy birthday nathan!!!
I remember the day we took him to Trinity for pictures. That was such a neat experience… I wish I could find that picture somewhere!
I cried reading this! I have so enjoyed meeting and talking with Nathan, and he is truly inspiring. Tell him happy birthday from his kind-of sister-in-law! (I’m not sure how it works with siblings of in-laws…once removed?)
I will tell him that his kind-of-sister-in-law said happy birthday 🙂 He truly is a joy to be around!
Aly, beautiful!
Writing from “Down Under” (New Zealand) miracles of modern tech.
Nate’s life and your tribute is an excellent start for my day here on Saturday, November 9.
I loved discovering that Nate was in the room or on the scene. I can always count on that wonderful, infectious smile and an arm around my shoulder or just a visional hug that said “Sue, so good to see you!” He is indeed a great person and gift of life. Thank you, Lord.
Pastor Sue White
Pastor Sue, I am glad that my post jumpstarted your day in a positive way. He truly is a blessing, and I think it’s an important story to continue to tell. I would love to see you the next time you’re in San Antonio! My parents always have such wonderful things to say about you.