Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Father's Day came two weeks early this year for Dave Norton.
The former University of Utah baseball player returned where he once played and stood on the mound when he used to pitch at Spring Mobile Ballpark. He, along with his wife Shannon and three sons, watched the Salt Lake Bees defeat the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2.
"We love the game of baseball and what it means," Dave said. "The adversity and the teamwork, the lessons in life taught on the field and to see it come full circle, to have my son Paxton here, he's just the pinnacle of what baseball means and that's overcoming as a team and winning."
Paxton is the youngest son of Dave and Shannon Norton. They learned before he was born that he was going to be unique. Paxton has an extremely rare chromosomal deletion on the seventh chromosome. It's a condition so rare that there is no other known match in the world. He was not expected to live through birth, but from the very beginning, he has defied the odds.
"He's a miracle," Dave said.
His first surgery took place when he was three days old, and 33 more surgeries have followed. Paxton has a trach and is oxygen dependent. He is fed exclusively by a feeding tube in his stomach. He suffers from congenital glaucoma, partial hearing loss, heart defects and recurrent pneumonias among other ailments.
From the very beginning it brought the feeling of cherishing every moment, every child, every moment that you're with them. He has exceeded our expectations in that way because he is so happy, so interactive and engaging. It's so hard to look at him and not light up.
–Shannon Norton
He requires constant care, which is provided my his mother Shannon. It's been exhausting and difficult, but at the same time, given her an appreciation for others who care for special needs children.
"From the very beginning it brought the feeling of cherishing every moment, every child, every moment that you're with them," Shannon said. "He has exceeded our expectations in that way because he is so happy, so interactive and engaging. It's so hard to look at him and not light up."
Nothing makes Paxton light up more than his toy baseball. He is now able to sit up and play catch, and he loves to tip the ball and throw it. It has helped him develop coordination of his mind and body.
"He loves holding the baseball. That's his favorite thing to do." Dave said. "For us, we're a baseball family. We love it. We love all sports, but to see him embrace it like that, that's really special."
Thanks to the Sons of Baseball Foundation and the Salt Lake Bees, Paxton was recently able to enjoy a special baseball experience with his family.
They were able to meet the players, hang out in the dugout and watch batting practice.
"He loves the unique sound of the bat hitting that ball," Dave said. "It's really fun to watch his reaction to that."
They were also invited into the clubhouse where Paxton and his family were presented with customized jerseys and a ball signed by the entire team.
"It means a lot to the whole family," Shannon said. "It's fun to have the other boys have a good time and have some special moments here and there because they sacrifice a lot too. These are moments that are, you know, payday."
"Thank you," Dave said to the team in the clubhouse while clutching the signed ball. "This is a treasure."
There is no way to know what the future holds for Paxton, who will soon turn 3 years old. They have no one else in the world to compare him to. There will be more surgeries to follow and great challenges ahead, but they find great joy in moments like this and the little accomplishments he makes along the way.
The first time he put his hand to his mouth, the first time he could grab a baseball and pull it close to him or the first time he could sit up and play catch were all significant accomplishments for Paxton.
"We celebrate the little victories," Dave said. "As simple as it may be to many, and even us, we recognize what an incredible achievement it is — just the little victories."
His family will never forget this moment when Paxton participated in throwing out the first pitch at a Bees game. This was a moment many thought was not possible. His fight and battle against adversity is inspiring many people around the world who have learned of his story.
"He's just the joy of our life," Dave said. "Despite all the challenges he's faced he's so happy. He provides so much joy to so many people."
Paxton Norton can teach all of us a great lesson about finding joy in the little victories.
