5-Year-Old with Cerebral Palsy Brings Dad to Tears with Pledge of Allegiance
Choking back tears, a Coast Guard dad swelled with pride as his son, a mostly nonverbal 5-year-old with cerebral palsy, suddenly began to speak with confidence. From the mouth of a boy who typically spoke only a handful of words, the entire Pledge of Allegiance came flying out without warning.
32-year-old Eric Garza was reduced to tears. “I was full of — I was just so proud,” an emotional Garza said, barely able to get the words out.
Jake Garza, whose nickname is “Mr. Handsome,” has already been through a lot for a kid. He was born prematurely and faced many health difficulties, including the diagnosis of cerebral palsy.
Jake’s mother passed away after a battle with cancer. The resilient, smiley boy lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with his father and stepmom, Taylor Garza.
Taylor was equally moved when she heard Jake recite the Pledge. “It is all just extremely emotional for me — it just caught us both so off guard,” she expressed.
She said the family was spending time together, playing music and singing songs when Jake began rattling off the Pledge.
“To see your kid hit such a big milestone and get out the whole pledge was amazing and brought tears of joy,” Taylor gushed.
Jake attends Sexton Elementary School, where his class recites the Pledge on a regular basis.
Jake’s family is incredibly grateful for the team of teachers at Jake’s school, including Jake’s aid Cheryl Cunningham, who instruct and encourage Jake every day.
“I’m so proud of what he’s accomplished,” Cunningham said, with an obvious love for the boy in her voice. “[Jake’s] dad being in the military and my son just went into boot camp, so it’s huge.”
The Pledge of Allegiance has proven to be a breakthrough moment for Jake, whose vocabulary is beginning to explode. He is now “speaking full sentences,” a milestone that has everyone bursting with joy.
“He’s the happiest, smiley little kid you’d ever meet,” Garza said, beaming with pride. He believes Jake has a bright, vibrant future ahead.
“That kid is the future — he’s gonna do big things,” Garza grinned. “He’s amazing.”
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