Almost 31 years ago, a family almost lost their 7-year-old son to a tragic car accident. A drunk driver had smashed into the Cortez's family car, killing their oldest son along with other relatives, and injuring the mother along with their other two children. Paul Cortez and his wife Ronnie Cortez's youngest son Austin Miguel, known as Mikey was nearly dying. Desperate for help Paul prayed and promised God that if he saved his son, him and his family would ALWAYS be there for him. And that's exactly what happened.
Read more ¿Qué más?: Inspiring plus-size model won't let cancer stop her!
Mikey managed to live, but was never able to walk or even talk again. But the family was just grateful that he was able to survive. For the next 31 years, until his death, they made sure to include him in every activity possible. I'm talking vacations, sports games, holidays—you name it!
Mikey passed just this last month, but the Cortez are glad that they were able to enjoy him for those extra 31 years. "I prayed to God to walk our families through this," Paul told Fox News Latino. "To help us. And he did."
The tragic accident took place back in March 1982. Mikey, his siblings, his mother, and a few other relatives were packed in a car driving to meet Paul. When all of a sudden a drunk driver suddenly crashed down on them. "No seatbelts in those days," said Ronnie, which is why everyone wound up flying out of the car.
Mikey was left in a vegetative state caused by serious brain damage. He unfortunately never recovered from his condition, and wound up dying just last month. But throughout his years alive, his father made it his mission to give him the most normal life possible.
Mikey was 38-years-old when he passed away. Before his death he had been diagnosed with renal failure. But still, he managed to live much longer than doctors had predicted, and his family really believes it's because of all their loving efforts.
This story goes to show the tragic results of drunk driving. Look how one accident not only took lives, but left this poor boy in such a critical state. But it also shows how much love and faith can impact someone's life. Because this family chose not to give up on their son, he managed to live a lot longer than any one could have imagined. And that's truely a miracle!
Image via Thinkstock
