Dear Brody,
I always knew one day you'd be able to read and here we are, and you are holding this letter and reading the words, probably out loud to us in the living room.
You're not a burden, Brody. We've all loved you from the moment we set eyes on you. And the day you were born was the most amazing day of our lives. I'll never forget holding you for the first time and refusing to put you down for the first month of your life. You're our sweet boy and cherished gift and always will be.
I know it's been hard for you. I know you see other kids talking and laughing, or maybe you don't. But you're just like them in our eyes. You are such a strong and proud little boy. We're so amazed by your strength every day. I watch you in your therapy classes and you're working so hard to say "no" and "cookie" and "orange." We know it's in there and the words just can't escape your lips. The extra hours in therapy or special classes do not mean that you are less of a kindergartener or less of a first grader. It just means you need some extra help that other kids don't need right now. But it won't be like this forever. You'll see.
Brody, you're the person all of wish we could be. You're a free spirit and no one can touch your energy or joy; in fact, when your dad and I look at you, we're at peace. We watch you in awe and just smile at the way you run through the house, jump on the trampoline, hug everything you see and tackle your brother to the floor. When you were first diagnosed, Brody, we were told you might never do these things. We were told you might never jump on two feet or talk or feed yourself. And here we are...again, you're reading.
You astound us every day.
Your brother, Destin, he gets jealous of you. He doesn't mean to and he doesn't hate you, ever. He wants in on your little world for a while and wants to be a part of it. I see you letting him in and opening that locked door just for a second. Keep opening it. He wants to be close to you, just like we do.
I can't wait for you to be able to read this letter. I want to sit with you, on the floor, (no matter how old you are) and read this to you, and then I want you to read it to me. You're the most goregous and loving child I've ever known and can't believe you chose me to be your mom. Your dad and I would travel to the ends of the earth to help you; we will do anything to make your life the best it can possibly be. Not a day goes by that I don't think about your life, your dreams, your future.
Brody, we love you. I know right now you may not understand those words when we speak them, but I know you feel them in your heart. And that's what matters.
The week before you were born I had a dream about you. You were 15 years old, and you sat down next to me and held my hand. You looked into my eyes and told me you were OK, and that everything was going to be fine and that you were happy. You hugged me and then left the room. And now here we are. And everything is OK. I hold onto that dream every day and think about what the future holds.
We're not going anywhere, Brody. We're all here for you and want to help you achieve your dreams. Whether you want to be a male model or a professional surfer or a writer, we're here to help make those dreams come true.
I love you, Buddy. Never forget that. You will never be alone.
Love, Mom
