To Table of Contents
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