Dear Sweet Bella,
On your second birthday, I find myself reflecting on the day you came into this world. While I wish I could say it was filled with pure joy, the truth is, it was a whirlwind of emotions. When the doctors told us you had Down syndrome, it rocked my world. As I held you in my arms, I felt the universal love that binds a mother to her child. You were stunning, and the love was intense, yet fear crept in. What I didn’t realize then was that we were handed a remarkable gift.
The initial thoughts I had about our lives were clouded with misconceptions. I imagined a future dedicated to care, filled with obstacles, and I worried about how your diagnosis would affect your older brother, Jake, who was my entire universe at that time. I thought everything would change for the worse, but I was mistaken. I’m sharing this in hopes of reaching another mother who might be lying in a hospital bed, fearful of what lies ahead. I want you to know: your life is not over.
You have transformed our lives in ways we never anticipated, and they have been joyful changes. Our family dynamic is richer than it was before you arrived. Vacations are now filled with your infectious laughter and spirited personality; oh, your sass is something else! Outings are lively as we witness the delightful chaos created by you and your brother. It’s a beautiful mess, filled with laughter and love.
Your relationship with Jake is a daily reminder of the magic between siblings. Sure, you two bicker like all siblings do, but the bond you share is precious. Jake has stepped into the role of protector, and I see that dynamic growing stronger every day. You are a spirited little girl, and I have a feeling that soon, you may even become her guardian.
As we celebrate your birthday today, I am filled with gratitude. I wouldn’t change a single thing about you. Your determination is inspiring; I watch you daily as you work hard to stand and walk. Your physical challenges may slow you down, but your spirit is unstoppable. I know you will be walking soon, but for now, your sheer willpower gets you where you want to go. Your sass is unparalleled; I thought I understood it with Jake, but you have taken it to new heights.
It’s hard not to chuckle when you throw things, shout “no,” or playfully swat at your brother or me. Your heart is immense; you cry when Jake is upset, showing a depth of empathy that astounds me. You’re a thrill-seeker, loving every moment of being tossed in the air by Dad, and you revel in the joy of rides. Affection isn’t freely given—you make people work for it (sorry, Aunt Lily!). Your love for music fills our home with joy as you dance and sing without a care.
Bella, I could write endlessly about the insights I’ve gained since your arrival. I had no idea that adults with Down syndrome were achieving incredible feats: advocating for their rights, launching businesses, and living independently. They bring joy and inspiration to their communities.
Before you, the term “advocate” meant little to me. Now, I cherish the friendships I’ve formed within this incredible community. You have opened our lives to extraordinary people.
With you, we’ve learned to celebrate the small milestones. The day you pulled yourself up to stand, we cheered like you’d won a championship. When you took your first steps with a walker, I shed tears of joy. The future may be uncertain, but I know you have made us better individuals. We have more empathy, we prioritize kindness, and we are learning the intricacies of navigating the systems that support you, including Medicaid. We will tirelessly advocate for your rights and for those who share your journey.
In doing so, we have become more compassionate citizens. We love more deeply and have discovered that love exists in countless forms and abilities. Emotional intelligence has become just as important as academics. We’ve learned to ask for help, leading us to forge incredible friendships.
On this special day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you, my bright, spirited Bella, for being the extraordinary gift that you are. I apologize for not recognizing your value at birth, but I promise to spend my life sharing the truth of your brilliance with the world.
I love you for all that you are and all that you will become.