To My Son on His 4th Birthday

Hijo:

When you were a little baby

You were very quiet 

You weren't very concerned over people

You really didn't care for toys or playing

Your finger didn't point out to the interesting things around you

You didn't wave bye-bye

It almost seemed like you didn't hear me when I spoke to you and I wasn't sure you knew your name.

So I worried and I cried and I prayed.

And we kept on keeping at it...

Then...

we decided to do something about it.  

We had your hearing checked, 

you could hear!

We had your eyes checked, 

you could see!

You were healthy and strong and handsome. But we couldn't figure you out....you were like complex puzzle.

So your daddy and I made a plan. I would stop working outside the home so I can work only with you. From the moment you woke up to the moment you went to sleep we were together focusing on you. I went on the floor with you in your room and would push toy cars making funny car noises. You wouldn't always look at me. I read books outloud for you to hear, you wouldn't want to participate. I would sing and dance, you wouldn't want to join

So I worried and I cried and I prayed.

But we kept on keeping at it...

We went to the playgrounds every day which at first seemed very overwhelming for you. 

We started you on speech therapy and occupational therapy services 

Everything at home was purposeful-the toys we bought, the games we played, the conversations we had.

And although we put forth so much effort, it seemed like we would never get through

Until suddenly....

One glorious day when you were almost three years old, I saw you point for the first time. I heard you say mama. I saw you hold a toy car and glide it across your room. You began to eat solids, you grabbed the spoon! It was our miracle. It was as though you had woken up from a deep sleep and you were now ready for the world. And very quickly, like a race car ready to start a race, I noticed you trying to communicate and learn and play. I didn't know it then, but it was the beginning of your transformation.

So, still worried but now filled with hope, I cried and I prayed...but we kept on keeping at it...

Today is your 4th birthday and I wanted to glorify God for all that he has done in your life until this day. How far he has brought you. 

You speak, you sing, you play and dance. You go to school, you love eating rice and Watermelon slices. You are starting to get dressed on your own, you love kids and people and hugs. You love bubbles, and pirate ships and books. You have a brilliant memory and a beautiful smile. You are funny and curious and kind. I've discovered with time that your way of learning is different than mine and as you learn I learn too. 

I remind you that you are not what people say that you are. You are only what God says that you are. And He calls you complete, useful, talented and loved.

Our promise to you is to help you in your journey always and to be flexible to your needs as they come up.

It has been my pleasure to meet you as I see you flourish before my very eyes and I look forward to seeing what the Lord will do for you this year, and the next and the next....

I love you

Mama

P.S.

You and me will forever "Keep on keeping at it".