Eighteen years ago, during a hot August night

A Special Angel from Heaven took a very circuitous flight

He arrived in the world after a difficult pregnancy

Enduring many hardships in the womb, but his life was still meant to be, despite being one month early

He was beautiful, our son, so perfect from head to toe!

Our hearts were bursting with love for this little creature who we would come to know!

He is our Beloved, Our Heart, the Ultimate Gift from above

Our Brian was sent from Heaven, the one we have pledged to love

Then the news was revealed that our baby boy had Down syndrome

We felt so sad in that moment and so utterly alone

It was certainly not the news that any parent wants to hear

And so began the flow of inconsolable, copious tears..

The early days were tough as we watched you struggle and endure

Open heart surgery, an orchiopexy, and medically so much more

You were a brave little soldier, taking everything in your stride

And much to our amazement, and with incredible pride

You conquered, you survived, you grew, and you thrived!

Then Autism decided to show up one awful, snowy day

It threatened and it menaced to take our family’s joy away

Heartbroken and hopeless: now what do we do?!

Don’t worry, Mom and Dad, I know this is way too much for you,

But in time, you will see

That autism, like Down syndrome, truly don’t define me

Yes, these disabilities are not what we planned

They are hard and exhausting, and you will often have to take a stand

On my behalf and always advocate for me

But there is also a richness to my life

If you are willing to see..

My potential and the promise

That the best is yet to be!

Walk along with me on this adventurous journey and you will discover the right priorities!

What really matters is not what you own, or what you do

It’s the love that you give to all, that will mean the most to you

It’s the simple things, that mean so much ,

Like holding a hand or a reassuring touch

Or the lengendary bear hugs that I love to give

To you and to others

And for as long as I live, I will love you with my whole heart, for I know no better way

To show God’s pure love, each and every day

I am yours and I love you both with all of my tender heart

And I have always loved you, Mom and Dad, from my very early start!

Dearest Brian, you make us whole!

You are our soul and our heart!

No matter where life takes us, or whatever we do

We are forever a part of you

We wish you, Son, blessings galore

On your 18th birthday and so much more!

So here are our birthday wishes for you, Beloved Brian:

May God bless you richly in all ways, big and small

May you continue to live your very best life

May you always know how much you’re deeply loved and cherished by family and friends

May you continue to try and learn new things, even when it’s hard and doesn’t make sense

May you continue to face your challenges with courage and grace

May you continue to realize your full potential

May you fulfill your earthly mission as God’s Joy Ambassador to those who need His love

We are so proud of you and always will be!

All Our Love,

Mom and Dad 😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️🎉🎉🎉🍰🍰🍰🎁🎁🎁