A courage that has become viral. At only 5 years old, Reece, a small American facing the disease, upset the world in a single video. In this one, the child encourages naturally and gives himself strength, faced with yet another blood test which is part of his daily life. And gives us a great lesson in life.
“I can do it, I’m courageous!”
The video talks about itself. While the nurse is preparing to take his sample (which Reece no longer counts) the child seems to first appear frightened. Then he resumes and, like a coach, is conditioned for treatment: “It’ll be OK. I am courageous. I can do it! “ he encourages. The fist raised, he seems to find a whole new energy. “”Of course yes! Go ahead, do it. Yeah, guy! This is exactly what I mean. “ The video is then shared by millions of people.
However, that day, Reece could be fed up. He had been fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common cancer in children since his 3 years. A condition that had brought him to heavy treatments, regular blood tests and hard side effects to bear. At the end of July, his courage was widely rewarded. The child finally sounded the bell of the remission, this gesture that children can “win” when they arrive at their cancer. But if he leaves the corridors of the hospital, Reece will remain a symbol of resilience for many.
The resilient child draws his strength from his entourage
Where does this mental force come from to such a young child? Morgan Handley, his mother, so proud of her little boy told the media Motherly.com their little secret :: “We make small motivation speeches and offer a Constant emotional supportso that he knows that he is capable “. A learning that has borne fruit, and gave a confident little boy, despite the difficulties.
Child development specialists insist on the importance of parental attitude in this type of tests. “”It’s true. Children are often incredible. But what we see less, what we say perhaps less is the silent force of those who hold up next: the parents “ underlines for us the psychologist Amélie Boukhobza. “”They are pillars, despite great apparent fragility “.
What is the posture that will best help the child?
Again, it is not a question of being a “great” dad or mom, to make the difference, nor to be stronger than everyone.
“Being good support is not to say pretending that everything is fine. It is not to collapse either. It is to succeed in finding a balance, certainly wobbly but precious and essential: to be there, quite simply” underlines the psychologist.
Being the best possible accompanying person is creating a daily life despite the disease. Laugh, even when it trembles inside, when you are afraid. Leave room for fear without it taking up all the space. “”It is to keep your location for the child when everything vacillates “.
Because a child, even very young, captures everything. “He is a sponge. He feels if we lose foot. He sees if we believe it. And that’s what wears it: feeling that he is not alone in front of the abyssal vacuum that his parents represent. That his parents hold good, even with tears at the edge of the eyes”.
To say that children (like Reece) are resilient is true. But this resilience is often built on the emotional solidity of the adult that accompanies it. “In this fight, as in so many others, love does not heal. But it supports. And does a lot!” concludes our expert. A reminder that may soothe other parents in search of meaning.