Alexander is his own man. Always has been. His first word was “no.” As in “no, your advice doesn’t suit me; I’ll make my own judgment, thank you very much.” His first sentence was “I do it.” As in “I don’t think I’ll be needing your assistance, I’ve got this all under control if you don’t mind.”  This independent spirit has been the hallmark of his personality, and the key to survival on Planet Alexander.  This boy goes his own way. And if you’ve got a heading to suggest, you’d better be ready to back it up with a strong supporting case.  

His strength of spirit has served Alexander well as a cancer patient. But experience with Leukemia has also tempered his independence with a growing tenderness and willingness to accept the help of others. He has always had the level-headed clarity to admit that some aspects of his treatment suck, and the determination that he will endure what he must in order to get through it. Over the last few years, he has also developed the courage to let us know when he feels overwhelmed. He asks periodically, “is it true that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger?” 

 Yes son, it makes us more resilient, and that makes us stronger.

 

"Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.”

-Bern Williams