First and foremost, my son, Josh, was and always has been WANTED. For some reason, people tend to think that children with special needs are accidents, or somehow unplanned mistakes that happen for a ‘reason.’ I have always wanted to be a mother, and I have always loved and appreciated Josh for who he is, without wondering what he could have been. I have never once wished that he would be anyone other than the amazing man he has turned out to be.
Second, he is TALENTED, not in spite of or because of his extra chromosome. He just is. He continues to amaze me every day. I envy so many things about him and his outlook on life. He has a sense of humor and laugh that is contagious. He sings at the top of his voice and with such emotion that it doesn’t matter if the words aren’t clear. The feelings he expresses are genuine and moving. He dances with such abandon regardless of who is watching if the mood strikes him (but I embarrass him if I dance ‘in public.’) :D
Third, he's OBSERVANT and understands more than most people think. Just because his language is somewhat limited, and people have to actually listen to understand what he is saying, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t understand what people say to, and around him. He absorbs everything (okay, he absorbs everything that he’s interested in).
Fourth, he can be stubborn, rude, and has a temper. Yes, he has the full range of emotions that everyone else has. He doesn’t like it when he gets angry, and usually apologizes for losing his temper. He gets frustrated when his mind works faster than his expressive language. He’ll occasionally use four-letter words, but is quick to tell anyone else about their “language.” He’s not perfect – but he’s perfectly HUMAN.
Finally, he is ‘SPECIAL’ - to me. He’s been the light of my life and I couldn’t imagine not having him around. He’s my best friend. We’re a team. When he tells me that I’m “the best mom ever,” it makes me feel more accomplished than anything else I’ve ever done in my life. He’s taught me more about myself and the world around me than anyone else ever could. He’s challenged me to do better, for him, and for us.
He’s been the best part of my life; I’m lucky to have him in it.