Lessons my middle daughter taught me...

You have taught us a lot about strength.

            Your first demonstration of this was your fight for life. With every tiny ounce of your being, you fought to live before your open-heart surgery. You have continued to fight for life with each diagnosis.

            You’ve taught us how to be strong in seeking the best for you.

You have shown us that initiative and drive are not solely granted to the most gifted. You repeatedly demonstrate these qualities, plus you demonstrate sensitivity. You are always the first to respond to another’s pain in our family.

You have taught us it is foolish to take anything for granted. We have an obligation to ourselves to explore every opportunity given us. 

You have repeatedly shown us examples that “retarded is not stupid, mom.”

You have an uncanny ability to separate the wheat from the chaff—showing us what is really important: life, love and happiness.

You create your own happiness, not depending on others. You are an excellent example of living in the ‘here and now’—better than anyone else we know. Your lack of worry about the past or the future is sometimes a real blessing.

Some might consider you 'simple', but those of us who know you, love you all the more for what you give to us. 

You are a daily reminder of unconditional love. You love all of us no matter how flawed we might be.

You remind us that we can govern our own happiness, especially when you tell us, "Guess what? I'm so happy." 

Thank you for being you. You have enriched all of our lives.