Happy 16th Birthday Nate!!!

Happy 16th Birthday Nate!!!!!!!

So here we are…16 years later.  What can we say?  You should be driving Nate.  You should be begging us for a car.  We should be talking to you about getting your own insurance.  But, it’s not that way.  We found a different path with you— and one we could never regret.  You are the one who has changed us in ways that no one could imagine.  We don’t usually have words to explain it.  If you’ve not been on this path, it’s tough to imagine it through words.  So, we try, but usually, we just can’t describe it.  It’s different than anything and everything we imagined.  But, you have brought us the kind of joy that is much deeper than words can express.  We admit there are many days we wish that we could see you running, playing an instrument, telling a joke, or reading a favorite book.  But, that is for you— it’s not for us.  We love you just the way you are.  There is not one thing you have to change for us to love you more.  Everything we want for you— is for you!  You’ve shown us so much about ourselves, so much about what we thought we knew (but didn’t).  You’ve given us a chance to view life in a way we never could have without you!  Nothing has been easy.  This road is not what anyone would dream of.  You have taken us along 16 years of highs, lows, and everything in between.  You are one special dude!  We have watched you struggle to crawl, sit, stand, walk (with assistance) and learn to eat with a spoon.  Everything you have accomplished has come with more work than someone who earned their college degree!  You are strong— both physically and in what you set your mind to!   Our biggest hope is that you will always have those surrounding you who love you, will watch out for you, will cheer you on, will help make the best choices for your care and who will give you the acceptance to just be you!  We couldn’t love you any more on this special occasion of your 16th birthday!!!!  Nate “#Johnners”!! :)