They are valuable in their own right.
Recognizing that fact produces a more respectful understanding of Kaleb’s life.
His diagnosis creates certain challenges, but it does not erase the freedom to enjoy familiar activities or develop personal preferences.
It also does not mean that every difficult day must end with an inspirational lesson.
A person with a chronic condition may experience frustration without needing to transform it into wisdom for an audience.
They may want privacy, rest, distraction, or ordinary companionship.
They may sometimes wish to discuss their health and at other times prefer to talk about entirely different subjects.
This is true of Kaleb just as it is true of anyone else.
His public enthusiasm is compelling, but his right to be an ordinary young person is equally important.
Perhaps one of the strongest lessons his story offers is that joy does not have to be extraordinary to be meaningful.
