Today is your 11th birthday. (For the record, it's sunny and 75 degrees out.) I think you are the bravest and hardest working boy in the world. Your autism holds you back sometimes, but it's also brought so many fun and wonderful things to our lives. Some of your interests aka obsessions have included: the most amazing drawings of houses a preschooler can make, home-made calendars, Presidents, Blues Clues, Weather forecasts and, of course, Build a Bears. You have an amazing gift: memorization. You can tell someone born on April 4, 1967, what day of the week that was without blinking. Pretty neat, indeed.
I know there is a lot you can't do now, and maybe won't be able to do. Some are even things you used to be able to do. Have friends, going to a regular school, or your prom, or college. But, there is so much I know you can do and will do. Part of me wants to scream, "Screw autism". It doesn't define you anymore today than on the cold February morning the neurologist at Mass General officially gave you the diagnosis. I am very grateful to the many wonderful people (the list of Andrew's "people" throughout the years would go on for pages), who have helped you along the way. Your sisters love you, despite the sometimes unflattering and unkind behaviors. Our friends love you and accept you for the quirky kid you are. Your dad and I love you to pieces.
Of course, I wish you were home with us to celebrate. You will be soon. I know how much you want to be 11, as you told us for months how awful 10 was. You are a very perceptive kid. Emily and I will bring a chocolate-chocolate birthday cake to the hospital and tell you how loved you are and how happy we are to celebrate your birthday. The question is: will you hear it? I hope so.
Love always,
Mom
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| Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and his best friend make a fabulous birthday celebration! |
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