AND . . .
Happy Happy Birthday James! You are one of the hardest working, amazing kids I have ever met. Day after day, you not only go to school, but to therapy, and get through these days without being able to talk, without being able to understand how to do things in the same way as everybody else. This past year, you have blown your Daddy and me away with your accomplishments. You showed us that you have been listening and paying careful attention all along. How is it that you can't use a pencil without help but you can type complete sentences with correct verb tense? And just how long have you been able to read? Yes, when you demonstrated knowing words without pictures to your speech therapist, I was in tears but they were for joy and pride and happiness! I know you hate coloring and always assumed it was because you couldn't . . . but you like to draw and paint?! I love the painting you made of me and the drawing you made of your buddy for her birthday (complete with her trademark open mouth). Listen big guy, you are known for screaming at therapy too! And the toilet training? Once you made up your mind, there has been no turning back. In the past week, you made me so proud when you got out of the bath tub to use the toilet! And when we went out to lunch on Saturday and you got up and took Dad to the restroom? You rule dude! Not only for the few things I mentioned but for all you do every day. Thank you, Mr. James!
