There’s no denying that bad things sometimes happen in our lives, but it’s our attitude that determines our true fate.
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Two years ago, Justin Welch was your typical 7-year-old boy. It wasn’t until he and his brother Ryan went to visit a friend in their hometown of St. Ann, Missouri, one summer day that tragedy struck.
Justin was hit by a car and sustained horrific injuries. He broke all the bones in his face, and then his family received even worse news: Their little one might never walk again.
Hannah Welch, his mom, said it’s hard to imagine your child in pain, but “actually experiencing it is unreal.”
Still, as Justin began his healing journey, one thing always remained constant: his unrelenting cheeriness and positive outlook! While his body has changed, he’s still the same smart, funny boy he always was.
While Hannah occasionally has her own “breakdown moments,” Justin never lets his situation get him down.
“He’ll just look at me like, ‘Mom, I’m fine. I’m happy. If I don’t walk, I’m fine. Like, I’m still me. I’m still here,'” she said.
Their family received an outpouring of love and support that helped them through the difficult season. The police officer who responded to the accident came to visit Justin while he was still in the hospital, and their neighbors raised money to help with his recovery.
Two years later, their community was also there to witness the culmination of all Justin’s hard work toward rehabilitation! Thanks to regular physical therapy, he has been regaining some feeling in his feet and legs and made it his goal to defy the odds by walking again!
When he was ready, his grandmother arranged for the St. Ann police and fire departments to stop traffic on the corner of Adie Road and Gertrude Avenue, the exact location of the crash. Then the 9-year-old reclaimed the spot by taking his first steps on the very pavement where his life changed forever!
Today, the third-grader is literally back on the road to wellness! His mom thinks his success is entirely due to his inspiring perspective and hard work.
“I don’t think we’d be where we are at if it wasn’t for his positive attitude and outlook on life that he has,”she said.
What an incredible young man! We’re so glad he’s achieving his dreams, especially after going through such a difficult time. We’ll be rooting for him as he continues to heal!
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