Who Says I'm Small

I have written "Who Says I'm Small" to serve as a permanent record for my son, Erik. In its pages I hope he will find a deeper understanding of his life and the depth of his parents' love for him. Erik is an achondroplasic dwarf. He was born in 1969, before the time of research into the cause and effect of this disease. His ability to overcome his perceived handicaps, and his great capacity to give and receive love, are only parts of his specialness.
At the time of Erik's birth, a dwarf's life expectancy averaged around 10-12 years. Today there are expansive studies, and the gene causing dwarfism has itself been identified. But what is still missing is an acceptance of dwarfs as viable, productive individuals. I think of my son as being so much like the Phoenix that consumed itself by fire and rose renewed from its ashes. He is a true survivor, having risen to overcome each obstacle life has placed in his path. As his parent, I take small credit; the stamina to accept what "will be" just seemed to manifest itself in me and grew through love for Erik.
But the obstacles continue. Married in 2001, Erik and his wife Heather, also a dwarf and a wonderful daughter-in-law, still face discrimination. After spending the time and effort to complete college, they found career positions still to be elusive. Undismayed, they returned to continue their education in compatible fields, hoping to gain sufficient qualifications to overshadow their small stature. After several years the struggle continues. I cannot do this for them, except to bring their struggle to light as best I can, and help the world adjust to - and admire - children and adults with achondroplasia. You would need only to get to know Erik, to understand.