Bryce’s Journey

**Interviewer:** Tell me all about Bryce.

**Mom:** Bryce was born and adopted by us. He was a healthy baby boy, but at three-and-a-half weeks, he suffered from severe shaken baby syndrome. This traumatic event led to a brain injury and several broken bones. He was on life support for two months. We were in the midst of our foster parent training when we encountered his case. On the day we were to sign our license, our caseworker presented us with a referral. Although she reassured us the child was in care, the referral contained complex jargon. As we read through it, we realized it was Bryce’s case. The details of his injuries were shocking and heartbreaking.

**Interviewer:** Without getting into too many details, how would you describe what was in that report?

**Dad:** It was very graphic. I couldn't fathom who could do such a thing to a three-week-old baby. The descriptions were the most disturbing I had ever read regarding a child’s injuries.

**Interviewer:** How old is Bryce today?**Dad:** Bryce is five and a half now.

**Interviewer:** What's the most important thing you want others to know about Bryce?

**Dad:** He has a huge heart and loves making people smile.

**Dad:** You don’t want to sit anymore? Look at him go.

**Interviewer:** Does he move around a lot?

**Dad:** Yeah, he likes being up.

**Interviewer:** Hey, thanks for saying hi.

**Bryce:** Look at me. (toy guitar music)

**Interviewer:** You’re amazing, Bryce

**Interviewer:** Again?

**Mom:** He could play for you forever.

**Dad:** You’re amazing. (Bryce vocalizing) You’re really good.

**Interviewer:** How does he communicate?

**Dad:** Bryce communicates in various ways. He uses about five to ten verbal words and another ten to fifteen sign language commands.

**Interviewer:** Friend?

**Bryce:** (giggling) Thank you for signing friend.

**Interviewer:** Zach, tell me about Bryce.

**Zach:** We’ve had Bryce since I was ten years old.

**Interviewer:** What was it like to get another brother when you were ten?

**Zach:** Initially, I wasn’t too excited because I was the youngest. It was a change, but as I got to know him, he became a part of the family. I don’t see him as just an adopted kid anymore; he’s my brother.

**Interviewer:** What have you learned about shaken baby syndrome since becoming Bryce's parents?

**Dad:** It happens more frequently than people realize. Despite increased awareness and education, cases have risen. It’s so prevalent that the Children’s Hospital had to dedicate a wing for such cases.

**Zach:** Hearing Bryce’s story was devastating. No child should endure that, especially at just three weeks old. It was scary when he came home because I wasn’t sure how to help him. But now, I wouldn’t change a thing about him.

**Dad:** He suffered a global brain injury. Doctors told us he was blind, deaf, wouldn’t walk, talk, or eat. We were told to expect him to remain a vegetable who smiles. But he’s defied all odds.

*Interviewer:** How would you describe where Bryce is today?

**Dad:** Bryce is a miracle. He’s surpassed all expectations, and it’s incredible to watch him grow and push boundaries.

**Interviewer:** You’re a modern-day Bob Dylan. (Bryce laughing) Does your brother love music?

**Zach:** He loves music. He’s always playing his guitar or drums and showing off. He’s a big fan of Coco.

**Interviewer:** How would you describe your family as a whole?

**Mom:** We have three biological children who are older—21, 19, and 16. Bryce is part of a larger biological family of five, all with different needs. We’ve cared for all five at various times and adopted three.

**Interviewer:** What’s your favorite thing to do with your family?

**Zach:** We love going out to eat and playing games. Tic-tac-toe is a favorite.

**Interviewer:** Does Natalia have shaken baby syndrome?

**Mom:** No, Natalia was neglected, which has affected her relationship with food. She worries about having enough and has developed compulsive behaviors because of her past neglect.

**Interviewer:** What’s your favorite thing to do with Bryce?

**Zach:** I love laying with him, eating together, and playing games.

**Interviewer:** Does Natalia know about her brother’s brain injuries?

**Mom:** She knows Daddy hurt Bryce, which is why he’s different. She once asked me when Bryce would stop being a baby, which led to open conversations about her past.

**Interviewer:** What would you say is the biggest impact of shaken baby syndrome on Bryce?

**Mom:** His brain. He struggles to form words despite having thoughts he wants to express. It’s challenging for him to communicate fully.

**Interviewer:** Hi, Bryce. It’s nice to be here with you. Would you like to sing together?

**Interviewer:** Bryce was interested in my camera, so we set up a second one on a tripod. Thank you, Dad, for being my cameraman.

**Dad:** You’re welcome.

**Interviewer:** Bryce, would you like to sing more into the camera?

**Interviewer:** When we interacted, I mimicked his sounds. Does that excite him?

**Mom:** Yes, definitely. He loves different noises; it’s part of his language.

**Interviewer:** Do you see him getting frustrated when he can’t communicate?

**Mom:** Yes, he gets upset and throws tantrums when misunderstood. I try to help him express himself without making him feel bad.

**Interviewer:** How does Bryce communicate with others?

**Zach:** He’s energetic and talkative in his way. We converse as much as he can.

**Interviewer:** Do you know if shaken baby syndrome is intentional by parents?

**Mom:** Not always. It often results from stress, sleep deprivation, or a crying baby. Some parents, like Bryce’s dad, might react out of anger or frustration.

**Interviewer:** How would you describe Bryce?

**Mom:** He’s energetic, playful, and loves music.

**Interviewer:** Is he energetic all the time?

**Zach:** Mostly. He’s always smiling and enjoying himself, even if it’s hard to keep him still in public.

**Interviewer:** Is Bryce easy to connect with?

**Mom:** Yes, he’s always been easy to soothe despite his past. He’s a happy, content child.

**Interviewer:** Have you developed empathy for his birth parents?

**Mom:** Initially, I was angry and couldn’t understand how they could hurt him. But getting to know them, especially his dad, I realized he never had a fair chance. He grew up in a dysfunctional environment and never learned what love or coping skills were. It doesn’t excuse his actions, but it helps me understand the circumstances that led to them.

**Mom:** Bryce’s sight and hearing returned after surgeries, and he’s now walking in his unique way. He’s doing things doctors said he never would, and we’re hopeful he’ll continue to progress.