Jedidiah greets me with a smile on his face and clapping hands ready to play and learn. As an infant, I worked with Jed virtually due to the pandemic. I could see Jed’s eyes light up as he recognized my voice when I talked or sang to him through the computer. Now in person, Jedidiah is the one who lights up the room with his smile, laughter and hugs.

Jed is so cute. He’s also so adorable and wonderful and I like sharing with him. I like when he plays with me and I like when he crawls close to me so I can hug him. We sometimes go on a playdate together and that is fun.

Jedidiah Coy Snyder has been a fighter since the day he was born. Since he suffered a setback in his development at six months due to infantile spasms, his therapists have always remarked on how hard he has worked.

We have witnessed his dogged determination, too. We have watched him fall and get back up countless times, but it hasn’t deterred him in the least.

That moment, just a few hours after he was born, set the tone for our relationship. We developed an understanding and mutual respect and admiration. I wet his face with my tears and he didn’t even break his gaze to blink. I was his and he was mine. Nothing could change that. Nothing could dull the light that shone upon us.

(THE JED SERIES 1/5: Jed)

Name: Jedidiah (Jed)

Age: 2