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Parent
Advocate
Christine E . Staple Ebanks
The first in a series of articles about parent advocacy and the Nathan Ebanks Foundation
Introducing
Nathan Ebanks
My son Nathan is the last of my four children . He was born on May 4 , 2004 in Kingston , Jamaica . If I were to think of one word or phrase to describe him , it would be ‘ impish ’. That is because he has a zest for life and living . He embodies a beautiful spirit and energy that is edgy , playful , and mischievous . An endearing little scamp at heart , he takes full advantage of the ‘ last-child ’ privileges , whether it is bossing around his older siblings , monopolizing the television , getting that extra piece of cake or just annoying his brother and sisters . His charm and special negotiation skills get him his own way almost every time . I would often respond to a call from one of his siblings complaining that Nathan did so and so , and would go to them to find Nathan straight-face , watching TV or engaged in some other activity , not paying them mind . The telltale grin tugging at the corners of his month would be the dead give-way that he was guilty as charged .
Nathan has the most beautiful eyes , his paternal grandmother often refers to them as ‘ ackeeseed ’ eyes , describing the contrast of the brown of his iris against the white of his cornea , surrounded by enviable long lush black eyelashes . . . His eyes flash with life and energy and when he adds his signature smile , he gets away with almost anything , whether at home or at school . While Nathan is typical in many ways to his peers and age cohort , he is different in one unique way . Unlike other children , and through no fault of his , he cannot walk ; he cannot sit independently , dress himself or brush his teeth himself . He cannot run , kick a ball , or feed