Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt

Motivational Speaker

A Preemie Love Story

Filed under: Living with a disability — by at 1:47 pm on Tuesday, November 17, 2009

March of Dimes' fight for preemies

In support of bloggers uniting to Fight for Preemies, I’d like to introduce the one preemie who has stolen my heart:

Fifty years ago, an impatient baby boy entered the world seven weeks early. Much to everyone’s surprised, a second baby boy also joined the party. Sadly, one twin brother lived only a few short days before being called home.

Darrell at 4 or 5 months propped up in an easy chair The remaining twin, weighing 3lbs 3oz at birth, struggled to survive. He was a sick little boy, prone to catching every bug that crossed his path. His development was delayed and he was diagnosis with cerebral palsy some time prior to his second birthday.

Because of his frequent and lengthy illnesses, he missed much of Grade 1, forcing him to repeat the grade. The same fate occurred in Grade 2, further dashing his self-esteem and his love for school. He went through the motions of doing his school work, without being fully engaged by his teachers or fully accepted by his fellow classmates.

That was until Grade 11 when he discovered computers that changed the trajectory of his life. He discovered a world that he understood, that he could control and manipulate as he liked; a world where he belonged and could immerse himself for hours and days at a time, a world where only his geeky friends could follow him.

Darrell at his computer desk Computers became a part of him, literally; he lives and breathes computers. Computers and what he can make them do are his passion. The guy with no spatial ability is able to see any computer screen in his mind’s eyes. Watching him solve a friend’s or client’s technical issue is amazing – and inspiring!

Initially, this guy may seem slow in thought. But, if people are patient and allow him to talk at his own pace, they realize he is wise beyond his years. Once his words and thoughts start flowing, his ideas, insights and dreams come shining through. He says the sweetest thing with such sincerity that he melts your heart and bring a tear to your eyes – or, at least, that is what he does to mine.

Who is the preemie who has captured my heart? The man I am proud to call my husband Darrell Hyatt.

Borrowing the thought-provoking question from my friend Liz, I asked Darrell, “If you could tell the whole world something once, have them believe you and understand, what would you tell them?”

Darrell responded with:

When asked to answer this question, what came to mind was "believe in yourself". I know that is not necessarily an easy thing to do when others around you don’t believe you or say things which make you doubt yourself. You are the best judge of what you are capable of and can do.

When you are faced with the challenge look inside yourself and find that inner strength and belief in yourself; it will guide you to the solution. You may not have all the answers along the way but the answers will be there at the correct time. The more you believe in yourself, the stronger that belief will become and will carry you to greater heights.

With such insight, such wisdom, can you understand why this guy, who began life so small, has captured my heart?

Darrell, I love you.

If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.

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9 Comments »

Comment by MoDBev

November 17, 2009 @ 2:43 pm

I found your post so inspiring. Thank you for joining our Fight for Preemies event and sharing your and Darrell’s personal story. With 456 (pretty darn close to 500) bloggers all writing about prematurity; we are creating waves. And that is a good thing.

Comment by Glenda

November 17, 2009 @ 2:51 pm

Beverly, thank you for your kind words! I enjoyed meeting you at BlogWorld and am happy to participate in your worthwhile event. One you’d had a chance to recover from today, I’d love to ask if the event turned out as you expected. And, yes, 456 bloggers uniting for our preemies – awesome!

Comment by MoDBev

November 17, 2009 @ 2:56 pm

Glenda, Oy. You are right I do feel as limp as a wet noodle after reading so many uplifting and some heart-rending stories all day. I think people will be blogging into the night and maybe even tomorrow. It has been a terrific experience. I expect I should have some metrics by early next week.

Comment by Lillie Ammann

November 17, 2009 @ 3:18 pm

Glenda,

What a beatiful tribute to Darrell!

Comment by Deb

November 17, 2009 @ 4:14 pm

Glenda,
I had the joy of meeting you at SobCon and you radiate happiness. To read of your love for Darrell moved me to tears. We so often overlook people because they don’t appear a certain way — thank you for the loving reminder to look at everyone.
@debworks

Comment by christieo

November 17, 2009 @ 4:59 pm

what a beautiful beautiful post. thanks for sharing such a wonderful story! what an inspiring answer too.

Comment by Joanna Young

November 18, 2009 @ 12:44 am

What a beautiful love story. Thank you Glenda x

Comment by Jason

November 23, 2009 @ 9:35 am

Jason here from BloggersUnite. Thanks for being part of the BloggersUnite event, sharing your story and helping to raise awareness for the March of Dimes and all they do.

It has taken a while to find the time to read through the hundreds of posts that were submitted, but I am glad I finally have the time to get to each one. It has been a morning full of smiles, laughs and a few tears. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us; it is uplifting to hear about how your husband has found the thing that he loves to do.

I wish you both the best.

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