Dear Riley

Dear Riley

Happy 6th Birthday my little man.  It is hard to put into words just how much you are loved by your family and friends.  Rex and your dad and I are so very blessed that you completed our little family.  We didn't know when you were born but we soon learned that you are a perfect fit in our crazy little world.  You have been busy teaching us to be more patient, understanding and compassionate over the last 6 years.  We are certainly a work in progress but you have taught us a lot. 

It has been another great year for you.  You continue to amaze people daily.  I have spent so much time worrying over the best school for you and once again you have showed me that you will succeed where ever you are.  You have certainly taken All Saints by storm and have made yourself and integral part of the school.  Trust me when I say that they will never be the same.  I am pretty sure you know all of the kids in k-4 by name and can get them all to give you a hug on command.  You certainly have the social part of school down pat.  You are learning to read and have a huge list of site words you know.  Writing continues to give you a headache but you can do it.  You will be writing like a champ before I write your 7 year birthday letter. 

Your very best friend, Ella, and her family joined us for dinner tonight to help celebrate.  You two have been friends most of your life and it is fun to watch you together.  Neither of you walked or talked when you started playing in the same room.  Now you both are so busy bossing each other its hard to get a word in edgewise.  You both have genuine concern for each other and truly enjoy playing together most of the time.  Riley your Great Grammy June used to say that a person is truly blessed if they have one really close friend.  You certainly have a beautiful blessing in your friendship with Ella. 

Truly I don't think you have met anyone that isn't your friend.  Riley you have a beautiful spirit that draws people to you.  Your quick smile and mischievous laugh keep make them want to be friends for life.  You have brought countless people into our world and we are so much better for it.  I know that by simply being you and laughing your way into peoples heart you have changed many peoples view on what a child with Down syndrome is like.  I think I will always worry that people will judge your beautiful almond shaped eyes before they know you but that worry get a little less as each year passes.  Time and time again you show me that if they look for just a moment at the twinkle in your big brown eyes they will see an amazing little boy.  A boy that knows no limits that will accomplish anything he puts his mind to. 

Riley someday far into the future you will read these birthday letters and I want you to truly understand how very much you are loved by your family and your friends.  You make us all better because we have you in our life. Even on the days I'm pretty sure you have given me more gray hairs with your antics I love you more that words will ever be enough to explain!

Love,
Mom

Riley's 4th  Birthday letter is here.