The Wonder of You

I am sure that many people wonder what life is like for us with you. The challenges, hardships, stress and worry you bring us, these things seem obvious for all to see.

But the miracles, surprises and celebrations that you give us are not so evident, and are so far from the norm that they go unappreciated by outsiders.

While regular children are setting the world on fire with their accolades and achievements, I find wonder every day, in so many trivial things, easily taken for granted by most.

I find that it really helps every now and then, to remind myself, and the world, just how wondrous you really are!

You struggle with speech, and cannot really grasp how to construct a conversation. Yet my absolute best chats are with you! You are funny, bright and charming. You can command an audience greater than a seasoned speaker, bi-passing conventional language with attuned delivery and charisma!

You have such poorly legs and a curved spine, yet your energy is unyielding! Your desire to explore, discover and reach a target overrides your pain and fatigue. A mile with you is like winning the marathon.

You do not really understand social cues or interactions, but you are the friendliest person I know. You shower the world in sparkle and warmth, undiscriminatingly engaging with anyone and everyone that crosses your path.

Your naivety about the evil in the world is enviable. You know nothing of malice or negativity, your universe is unequivocally divine. Crime, war and suffering are alien concepts to you. Your world is as big and happy as your immediate environment and those that fill it.

You do not concern yourself with social expectations or traditions. You want Christmas songs in the summer, and fireworks on your birthday. And why not?! You have taught us to disregard convention and embrace what works for us. You have helped us to let go of worrying about what the world might think.

You are unapologetic in having favourites. You are ambivalent about friendships with children of your own age, but you adore your chosen few adults who shower you with unconditional love and attention.

You forgive and forget. You do not harbour resentment or memories of momentary pain. You cuddle the nurse who a moment ago pierced your skin, you sing to the surgeon who just held you down for examination.

Your brain is bafflingly brilliant! You may not remember what you had for lunch today, but you can remember a person you met six years ago, and recall a song you learned as a baby!

Keep filling the world with wonder, and keep being you!