Dear Case

To my best bud,

Last night I laid in bed rubbing your back before bedtime. Listening to your sweet voice and wondering how you got so big so quick. In just a couple short weeks, your little sister will be entering this world. While my fears are numerous and the unknowns are countless, I do know this. You will make the best big brother. The best she could have ever been given. When we received Lily’s DS diagnosis, one of my biggest fears was what all of this meant for your childhood. And even adulthood. How it wasn’t fair to you and I didn’t want your life to be harder because of it. How I wanted you to have a “normal” sibling relationship. While I’ll be the first to admit that I do still have fears, in just a few short months, I’ve come to realize that while the road may be hard or “different” at times, we are being given a gift that so many don’t get. That you, me, and daddy get to see life through a special lens, a lens that I strongly believe will change us for the better.

So for you I hope these things and more…

My hope for you first and foremost is to know how much I love you. Two years and 3 months ago you changed my life in a way I couldn’t even fathom at that time. You bring more joy to my life than I could ever thought possible. You are a light in this world that puts a smile on my face every single day. Your laugh is infectious and you are oh so smart. You amaze me every single day and I can’t soak it in fast enough. When things get hard, don’t forget this. When I have to miss that soccer game because Lily has yet again another doctor’s appointment, remember I’m there in spirit and will be at the next ten cheering you on. When we can’t make that festival because she has another therapy session, remember there is always another bigger and better one out there that we can make. You two will always be my top priorities and I promise to always be the best mom to you that I can be. Even on my worst days, I promise to give you my best.

My hope is that when you see others struggle, you show empathy, because you’ve seen firsthand the struggles your sister has faced. That you show compassion to those that surround you because you know God created each of us special. To celebrate differences rather than be scared of them. To be brave enough to stick up for others when no one else will – to love people, all people.

My hope is that you enjoy even the smallest things in life. You will be given a front row seat of watching your sister work so hard to reach milestones that may come easier to you and others. But with this, you will get to witness the joy that comes when she does accomplish the impossible and I hope you remember that when life seems overwhelming and hard. That you will have a greater appreciation for soaking it all in no matter how small, regardless the difficulties surrounding you. To not let petty unimportant things consume your life but instead take the opportunity to celebrate those things that seem so small because honestly, they usually end up being the most important. Life is precious and goes by so fast.

And lastly, I hope you follow your dreams. Do what makes you happy and always remember you are a child of God that can accomplish whatever your heart desires. To live fearlessly and to embrace the numerous gifts you’ve been given. And remember, you will ALWAYS have me cheering you on…your biggest cheerleader now and forever.

Love, Mom