Today in Focus My son Max, the boy who came back to life
May 26, 2025
Archie Bland, a Guardian journalist, shares a deeply personal journey about his son Max's medical emergency when he was just seven weeks old. He discusses the family's resilience in the face of Max's brain injury and the emotional chaos that followed. The conversation touches on how crises can strain relationships, the importance of humor, and the value of genuine curiosity when supporting those in distress. Archie reflects on navigating parenting a child with disabilities, emphasizing love, advocacy, and the significance of accepting and embracing Max's unique identity.
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Max's Resuscitation Story
- Archie Bland recalls his son Max suddenly stopping breathing and being resuscitated with CPR and emergency aid.
- The terrifying experience deeply affected Archie and his family, marking a life-changing event.
Balancing Acceptance and Therapy
- Parents must balance acceptance of a child's disability with efforts to maximize their potential.
- Neuroplasticity underlines the critical role of intensive physiotherapy in the first two years of life after brain injury.
Show Genuine Curiosity and Support
- Ask those affected rigorous and genuine questions, alongside expressing sorrow and recognition of their hardship.
- Avoid mere sympathy; genuine curiosity about the person's life is much more meaningful.