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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cI couldn\u2019t believe what I was seeing. I knew he could run, but I had no idea he could run,\u201d she shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avery\u2019s decision not only boosted his confidence but also inspired his mother. At that point, she was confident that he had made the right decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe was as proud of himself as I was of him. He was laughing, and I was crying. It was the happiest moment ever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event also caused Holly to reflect on the day she gave birth and the trying moment when she received the news that he wouldn\u2019t survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAvery had a stroke before he was born, and we were told he wouldn\u2019t live to be 2 years old,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avery faced various health challenges, including frequent seizures as a baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks to an excellent neurologist, his seizures are now under control. He had delayed speech until the age of 5 and started to walk unassisted at age 4. He has received treatment at TOP Rehab Services since he was 4 months old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, fast-forward to the Olympic Games. Seeing her miracle \u2014 now teen \u2014 participating in the activities with vigor and pure joy brings her to tears. It proves to her that obstacles are just mere building blocks toward a fulfilling life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy son is running and jumping and having a ball. He doesn\u2019t care if he comes in first or last. He\u2019s just having fun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from perseverance, Avery has developed an unfathomable level of confidence, defying expectations and soaring beyond his wildest dreams. Once a timid young athlete, he\u2019s now shooting hoops with other kids at Moore County High School, inspired by the spirit of the games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow he just jumps on in and says, \u2018Throw me the ball,\u2019\u201d Holly explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She highly recommends that everyone experience a Special Olympics event. The smiles and high fives of good sportsmanship are just a few highlights for this proud mom. Avery often recognizes kids from other schools around Middle Tennessee at local events. The atmosphere is always filled with smiles, laughter, and, in Avery\u2019s case, lots of hugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese children help each other and generally care for each other. It is very heartwarming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The foundation of Holly and Avery\u2019s lives is their strong faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI was told when he was 3 months old he would only live to be 2 years old \u2014 if he was lucky. I was told to make funeral arrangements; it\u2019s easier before they pass than after.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n But not even a medical diagnosis could stop Avery. With the fervent prayers of his friends, church, family, and strangers worldwide, Avery has lived 14 years of his best life. Holly encourages the community never to give up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFaith kept me strong, as did my family,\u201d she began. \u201cWith faith, all things are possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks to the love and support of his family and community, Avery is able to achieve his goals and positively impact the world around him. If someone you know requires additional support, offer it to them \u2014 because you never know how they might impact another\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cChildren, young adults, and adults with special needs are people, too, and have the same wants and needs as everyone else. If you have a child who you think may need a little extra help, please reach out to one of the many avenues that are available to you. Your child will thank you.\u201d GN<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" THE CICADAS buzzed a summer song as a blur of white and orange zipped through Tullahoma High School\u2019s track field. Laughter and cheers filled the atmosphere, accompanied by the thump of a softball hitting a mitt. Avery Smith, a streak of sunshine with a beaming smile, propelled the ball across the field, pumping his fist […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":22741,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22738","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/tullahoma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/08\/1-5-1024x683.png\")
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