Can't help but love her

I had a patient today that almost made me ache to do Peds. She was maybe 7 years old with a history of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and late diagnosed subdural hematomoa resulting in cerebral palsy. She also had some speech impairment and developmental delay. But what was so remarkable about her wasn't her disability, but rather despite her disability, the pure and simple cheer and joy that radiated from her. She was so funny, cheeky, and sweet that my lips and cheeks were sore from the smile I that couldn't help but respond with. We asked if she was always so cheerful and chatty, and her parents laughed an affirmative. She lit the room and her charm was irresistible. I felt myself almost jealous of her innocent and effortless charisma. I couldn't help but think that despite how difficult it must be to raise a disabled child, her parents were amazingly blessed. I hadn't been so purely delighted in a long time. Simply put, she was awesome.