As adults, we learn to love and appreciate the things that make us unique, but as children, those very differences are the things that other kids tease and make fun of. When an accident last August caused Zalend to have an amputation, he was understandably self-conscious, and tried as hard as possible to hide his injury from his peers.
After the accident, which injured his index finger as well as his thumb, doctors worked for hours to try and save them. Ultimately, they were only able to save most of his thumb, but Zalend lost his index finger. At the time, his parents had no health insurance, which has left them with $150,000 in medical bills, but what was worse for them was seeing how self-conscious the injury made their 9-year-old.
To remind Zalend that he’s not the only one with an amputation, Lt. Rackow and Officer Edwards from the Midland Police Department met with Zalend to let him know that he’s not alone and “despite any obstacle, you can achieve anything you put your mind to.”
The Midland Police Department posted a picture of their meeting to Facebook, and wrote these encouraging words for Zalend: “Hey Midland, meet 9-year-old Zalend! It took a lot of courage for him to take this picture. Zalend recently lost part of his index finger in an accident and has been afraid to show others his injury. Lt. Rackow and Officer Edwards met with Zalend to show him that he’s not alone, and to let him know despite any obstacle, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. We are proud to call you our friend, Z. Let’s hear it for Zalend! #CourageousZalend”
After the meeting, Zalend found courage in other people’s stories of living with an amputation. “He has a lot of support and I’m glad that there is support out there for everyone else, it’s encouraging, it’s real encouraging.” mom Nichole said.
Can you believe the incredible message these hero cops had for Zalend? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this incredible moment with friends and family on Facebook.
[Featured image credit: Facebook/Midland Police Department]
An Accident Left This Boy Without A Finger, But These Hero Cops Show Him He’s Not Alone is an article from: LifeDaily