September 23, 2009 — Brandon Michael Gonzales is the 15-yr old grandson of Dave Pender the Senior Vice Commander of my VFW Post. Dave approached me a few days ago and asked if I could produce a video of pictures of Brandon's life that could be shown on a TV during his upcoming birthday party. I said yes I could and scanned in photos the family provided, put them in a PowerPoint presentation, and then converted that into a DVD that could be shown on a TV. Simple enough and you might ask...well what is so unique about that.
Soon after birth Brandon was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and his Mom was told he would never walk. The photos I scanned clearly show that the Drs have been wrong about this amazing young man. Brandon has walked, played sports, and remains very active. He has an infectious smile and a gleam in his eye that captures your heart. In every photo that he is shown in he is smiling or has a look of being up to something...even the photos when he was very young. His entire family is like that.
Brandon now uses a powered wheelchair to get around especially at school. Dave told me he never complains and does not let his disease stop him from trying anything. His family will gather on a Saturday late in October to celebrate Brandon's birthday and it will be a very happy birthday.
When I think about all my little aches and pains I am going to think about Brandon. I am going to view the video I have created and I am going to thank God that there are kids like Brandon that keep us on an even keel...it's what really matters.
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