This is Dima Kalekin from Ukraine.
He doesn’t remember his biological parents.
At birth, Dima was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, or “water on the brain.” And when his parents saw him for the first time, they made a heartless choice.
They left the hospital without him and never looked back.
Dima was forced to begin life in a orphanage for disabled children in Krematorsk in eastern Ukraine, writes the Ukrainian newspaper Fakty i Kommentarii.
Four years later, Dima still couldn’t do simple things like eat with utensils or walk. The orphanage staff doubted that he’d develop normally in the future. But they were surprised he had survived for so long and could even say a few words.
But it wouldn’t be the last time that Dima would surprise the world.
Now, Zebediah can talk. He can understand both Ukrainian and English. And he can walk.
Talk about progress!
American doctors have examined Zebediah’s brain and are convinced that it hadn’t suffered much damage from the disease. They say that chances are good that he’ll develop normally.
What an inspiring fighter!
Zebediah has a long way to go and will undergo several operations, but he’s already shown the whole world his invincible strength and willingness to live!
A look at him today, in 2022, sure gives us reasons to smile! What a handsome little boy he has grown up to be! It’s so hard to believe that’s the same boy Ernest and Ruth adopted!
