Christopher and his brother Alexander recently showed that the bonds of brotherhood can help overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, and sometimes, all that is needed for communication is a “million-dollar smile.”
Stay-at-home mom Melissa Schlemmer and her husband, Ryan Schlemmer, operations manager for a portable storage facility, are proud parents of three children: Alexander, 13, Christopher, 11, and Theodore, 6. They call Forest Lake, Minnesota, home.
The family has had more than their fair share of obstacles; their middle boy Christopher suffers from a congenital health disorder.
He was born with Phosphomannomutase-2 Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation (PMM2-CDG)—a rare metabolic disorder that can cause serious malfunction of multiple organ systems.
Life Is ‘So Much More Than Milestones’
Mrs. Schlemmer told The Epoch Times, “[My son] really has fought hard for every accomplishment in his life.”Even though he is non-verbal, Christopher communicates with the family using a device, and his favorite thing to do is listen to his mom reading him books.
“He has a very long list of things he cannot do or will never do in his life, that’s just the reality of his disorder,” Mrs. Schlemmer said. “He is nonspeaking, tube-fed, uses a wheelchair, does not crawl, and doesn’t sit safely for long periods of time.”
Mrs. Schlemmer was quick to point out, however, that the young boy is “so much more than milestones,” adding that he is “funny, silly, opinionated, manipulative, smart,” and the light of their lives.
“There is nothing better than going to his room in the morning and being greeted by his million-dollar smile,“ she said, highlighting Christopher’s joyful personality. ”He doesn’t speak but his smile speaks volumes. When he reaches for me, I know he’s telling me more than what can be spoken.”
The Brotherly Bond
Mrs. Schlemmer says Christopher is a source of joy in his family’s life and a brave kid to be going through what he is; but he can be challenging at times, too.“Christopher doesn’t always believe in himself and has a hard time trying new things,” she said. “We always tell him how brave he is and how he can do hard things, but he gets nervous and often won’t try.”
One of the strongest lights in Christopher’s life is his older brother, Alexander, who has been a powerful motivator and inspiration to Christopher in his trying moments.
Speaking of their bond as brothers, Mrs. Schlemmer said Alexander has always been a cheerleader for Christopher and loves his little brother just as he is.
“He has never wanted him to be someone other than who he is,” their mom said. “He’s proud to be his older brother and always takes control of his wheelchair when we are out and about, something I know Christopher, too, is proud of.”
Alexander will often get into bed with Christopher in the morning, and they just play games together.
“Christopher loves to push Alexander away, while Alexander dramatically pretends it was much more forceful than it was,” the mom said.
Standing Up
Because of his physical limitations, Christopher has to undergo an intense physical therapy program twice a year. At his most recent visit, his doctor encouraged him to work on standing. He thought a good way to motivate Christopher would be to stand for a family photo.One day, while Mrs. Schlemmer was helping Christopher work toward standing, she wanted to see the height difference between him and Alexander, who is over 6 feet tall. Christopher stood next to his brother and then something magical happened.
Christopher pushed his mom’s hands away.
“He looked up at his brother with such pride, making my heart burst,” she said.
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Mrs. Schlemmer pointed out that sometimes the milestones in life become different, and it is moments like this that make all the hard work worth it.
“Yes, standing was a goal,” she said, “but what was more important was his pride and confidence and his look up towards his big brother. That smile was worth all the effort we’ve put in year after year.”
As she goes through the different challenges with Christopher and just being a mom in general, she reminds herself that “this moment will be a memory someday,” which helps her make the most of her time with her family.
Advice for Other Parents
As a mother who is well along on the journey of having a child with a severe disability, Mrs. Schlemmer shares some advice for other parents beginning or struggling on a similar path:“My advice is to keep going and find those who believe in your child. Find people who shout as loud as you do for your child. Never give up, but it’s okay to let go—we’ve learned this along the way. It’s reality that there are things our son will never accomplish, but that does not mean we’re giving up.”
Mrs. Schlemmer says Christopher has taught her “so many things about life and what is actually important.”
“We really are grateful for every day, knowing that life can change in an instant. We don’t take anything for granted, big or small. Life is so much richer with him, and I’m so proud to be his [mom],” she said. “This life may not be what we planned, but it’s far more beautiful than we imagined!”
