For starters, she survived a very premature birth: she came early after Zoe (my wife) fell and went into labor; she was born four months early, weighing less than a can of soda.  She was not even 15" long: she was impossibly tiny.

Then after all that, she had a massive brain bleed that left her permanently brain damaged and partially paralyzed.  That was the worst feeling in the world, knowing that the baby girl my wife brought into this world would be handicapped .  I felt like a failure as a father, but I knew I had to be strong for Zoe (and for Tessa).

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Flash forward five years.  Tessa is no longer a baby; she has blossomed into a pretty five year old with long, waist-length black hair, big dark eyes, and a dimpled smile that could charm most anyone.  While she cannot walk, she can talk and can make her wants/needs known: she is not completely helpless.  

Tessa was diagnosed as having diplegic cerebral palsy when she was 15 months old and has benefited greatly from an early intervention program at her school, where she is in kindergarten.

Zoe and I are exceptionally proud at the milestones Tessa has made.  There is even the possibility that she might even walk, but right now that's in the future; we are concentrating on the here and now.  She is absolutely incredible!

Tessa has since become a  big sister, to a little brother we have named Braeden Chandler; he was born last month and he keeps us hopping.  He looks exactly like I did when I was a little boy back in my native South Dakota.  He is my "Mini-me" and I adore him with every ounce of my being.  He is as healthy as healthy as can be; for that I thank the good Lord.  

Like most little girls her age, Tessa is wild about the colors pink and purple (also teal and blue), Dora The Explorer, princesses or fairy tales, anything Disney or Pixar, or playing with her friends after school or on weekends.  She loves to play soccer on a team for children with special needs and is a wonderful little goalie.  When Tessa grows up she wants to be a wheelchair athlete or a princess or a Marine soldier lady (that was what she told me the other day during supper).

Hopefully in the future Tessa will be walking on crutches (or at least a wheeled walker).  She has always been very determined and I don't put it past her that she will effectively meet her goal.  She is absolutely AMAZING and I am proud to be her daddy!  I love her so much!

~Dalton Little Star, Osage, Kansas.  :)