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Pate Withrow changed the course of many people’s lives when he was born five years ago. And, I think it’s safe to say, he changed them for the better.

Our pediatrician, Dr. Anthony Johnson, diagnosed Pate with Achondroplasia the day before his older brother Braden and sister Graemme started school in August 2006. Achondroplasia is a genetic disorder of bone growth that affects about 1 in 15,000-40,000 births. Affected individuals have arms and legs that are shorter than normal, with a torso closer to normal size. Males typically reach an average adult height of about 4 feet, 3 ½ inches.

The 48 hours between Dr. Johnson’s original diagnosis and Dr. Stephen Kahler’s confirmation at Arkansas Children’s Hospital were the longest 48 hours of my life. It’s one of those experiences you really can’t explain. I was never upset because of Pate. I was upset for Pate.

My husband Jimmy and I knew from that point forward the way we handled Pate’s diagnosis would set the standard for his siblings and the rest of our family and friends. The first six months were a blur, filled with doctor visit after doctor visit — from the wonderful Dr. May Griebel to our personal Godsend Dr. Tim Burson, who performed Pate’s first major surgery. Between the MRIs and the CT scans, the neurologists and the orthopedists, we honestly kind of lived in a medical haze.

As Pate has gotten older, the issues have changed, but nothing has slowed him down. It’s typical for children with Achondroplasia to need speech therapy and occupational therapy. The palate in his mouth is shaped differently, so that contributes to the speech issues. In addition, Pate’s fingers are shorter than normal and that contributes to the need for occupational therapy. Pate currently receives three hours of speech therapy and two hours of occupational therapy each week at ACCESS School. He has made enormous strides in the last year alone.

Full Speed Ahead

You certainly couldn’t tell Pate that he faces any obstacles in life because nothing seems to get that child down. He has a huge personality, as many can attest. He has become known as “the mayor” in our circle of family and friends. When Pate gets out of the car at the Junior Deputy Baseball Park or roams the sidelines at

a Sylvan Hills High School football game — or any other gym or field in the city for that matter — people flock to him. His friends are young and old. Something about him just seems to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Pate isn’t bothered by the fact that he needs a step stool by the sink or still uses a smaller potty. He is not worried about how his clothes fit, as he would wear shorts and a sports jersey to a black-tie dinner if you let him.

He is all boy. He loves all sports. If you asked him who the best baseball player in the world is, he would tell you — and show you — it’s him. His favorite teams range from the Junior Deputy Cubs (his brother’s team) and the Sylvan Hills Bears (where his dad coaches) to the Arkansas State Red Wolves (his Uncle Dave’s favorite team) and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Of course, all teams play second fiddle to his own T-ball team the White Sox, where obviously he thinks he’s the star.

He sees his friends and their parents from ACCESS School all over town and loves the attention he gets from them. He can’t wait until the day he gets to go to school with his brother and sister at Little Rock Christian, and they are as excited about that prospect as he is. We can’t say thanks enough for the wonderful experience we’ve had with Mr. Tim (Thomas) and Ms. Cheryl (Gildersleeve) at ACCESS. The progress he’s made there has been nothing short of amazing.

Jimmy, the kids and I see the world in a totally different light since Pate arrived in our life. We all seem to have a more positive outlook on life. Braden and Graemme view the world differently. They don’t judge anyone and are more accepting of other people’s differences.

Pate’s personality has left its mark on our extended family as well. He has a somewhat preferred status with his Mimi and Poppy, Grandma and Grandpa, and his Aunt Lindsey, Uncle Dave and cousins. Our close group of friends consider Pate one of their own. Pate even called one of our friends his girlfriend for a short period of time, but like any boy, he quickly moved on.

We will always be worried about sleep apnea and developmental issues, and I will always be concerned about finding clothes that fit properly. One day, we hope to have a house that is designed to meet his needs, where we all have to adapt to what works for him instead of the other way around.

It’s easy to take things for granted in life, but it doesn’t take much time spent with Pate to understand the obstacles he faces. Turning on the lights, washing his hands, taking a shower, just little, ordinary, everyday things are harder for him.

For now, the best part of being his mother is watching how much he enjoys life and being amazed at how he can always do something to make people laugh (like giving himself a haircut a few days before he was going to be featured in a magazine article!). He seems to have a knack for bringing a smile to your face when you need it most.

Like the Bible says in Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Having a child with special needs was not in our family’s plans, but we have lived fuller and richer lives from the gift we received.

* Lori’s brother-in-law Dave McGough contributed to this story.