My Birthday Boy

To Zach, my dear, beautiful boy,

Just a short time ago you turned eight (and it seems a short time ago you were still in diapers.) As is the McCafferty custom you had no less than four birthday parties (your mother believes everyone should have a birthday month,) and you enjoyed all of them thoroughly. You’ve grown into such a wonderful “medium boy,” as you like to say.

And your father and I couldn’t be more proud.

We’re proud of your kindness and generosity of spirit.

We’re proud of how you share your challenges and triumphs with Justin even though he doesn’t respond in words.

We’re proud of how hard you work in school (even when you don’t always want to.)

We’re proud of how you stand up for yourself, telling others your autism is not a “boo-boo on the brain,” but a different way of thinking.

We’re proud of how hard you work in your after-school activities.

We’re proud of how you’re always at your brother’s side to help him when he needs it.

We’re proud of your sense of humor and killer knock-knock jokes (you got those from your dad.)

We’re proud of your wish to right the injustices of the world (and your fearlessness in doing so.)

But mostly, we’re proud of your heart full of love, and so grateful you’re ours.

We love you, happy birthday sweet boy!

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