I Know Different

We've settled into our usual routines with Teddy acting completely like his happy, goofy self. AJ ran right to Teddy and held him tight for a long hug when they first saw each other, and Teddy kept trying to put AJ's arms around him for more hugs at bedtime that night.

Another person who really missed Teddy was his friend Max, who he sits by on the bus ride home. Apparently Max asked about Teddy every day, asking whether Teddy would be back Monday for sure and then whether it was already Monday. Those two crack me up, and I'm happy they have each other for entertainment on the bus.

This is short because I wrote novels each day last week. Someone shared this poem by Tricia Proefrock, and each part of it rings so true to me. 

I KNOW DIFFERENT

Dear mommy,

I have felt your tears, falling on my face. Someone else might think they are tears of sadness, because of what I can't do...I KNOW DIFFERENT.

I know those tears pour from your heart out of gratitude for me, because of what I CAN do : I can love everyone in the purest form possible. Unconditionally. I can be judged, but will never judge in return. I know different because I feel, in your hugs and kisses, that I'm perfect just the way I am.

I have seen you hang your head down in shame, when we go out on adventures. Someone else might think you are ashamed of having a child like me...I KNOW DIFFERENT.

I know you are ashamed of the grown-ups who ignore me, yet talk happily to all the other children. The grown-ups who won't look you in the eye, but stare at me, when they think you don't see. I know different because I've seen the many, many more times you have raised your head up high, with pride, because I'm yours. : )

I have heard you whispering desperate prayers at night. Someone else might think you are asking God to make me a typical kid...I KNOW DIFFERENT.

I know you are thanking Him that I got to be here, with you, for another day- exactly how I am. I know different because I have heard you ask me never to leave you. And I have heard you cheer for me, every single day of my life- you tell me I don't need to be typical to be amazing, I just need to be here.

I know you have a big job, taking care of me. I know your body hurts, because I'm getting so big. I know that more than anything, you want to hear me say your name. And I know you worry that you aren't good enough, and that you will fail me...BUT I KNOW DIFFERENT MOMMY.

I know that even on your worst days, you will always be enough for me, and I will always love you more than you know.