The Way I Look At The World Melissa Dau

He never complained. He loved to make people smile, he loved his family, and most importantly, he loved waking up to each new day. Shawn has become an inspiration to many, including myself, with his overwhelming strength. Most people look up to and admire adults such as parents, teachers or coaches, but for me, it was a boy, younger than I was who changed my life and made me view the world through a perspective I never thought possible.

Shawn was born nine weeks early, and could fit in your hand like a newborn kitten. He was soon diagnosed with Congenital Toxoplasmosis, a very rare and deadly disease. The average life expectancy is six months. I can happily say that Shawn has beaten the odds and has lived to the age of sixteen. He is a true fighter who has taught me so much and changed my life for the better.

His optimism has given me an opportunity to view life more optimistically as I have watched him struggle and overcome so much. Shawn has given me a new outlook on life and the strength to make important and better decisions for myself. He has made me realize that certain things going on in my life are trivial compared to what he has been through. This young boy has made me realize that every moment we have should be...